Table 2.

Emerging Themes from the Survey

Cultural Adaptation
Factors that aided adaptation	Senior international medical students, Church and pastoral care, Support from international students office and academic staff, other international students in the class
Factors that hindered adaptation	Different lifestyle, English as a second language, Different learning styles, Communication problem, Lack of understanding of the Australian medical health care system, Different foods
Language Issues
Language problems	Not used to Australian slangs, Accent problems, limited written, and verbal communication skills
Communication skills	Some were satisfied with their level of communication, others indicated that there is room for improvement
Academic Adjustment
Quality of course	Satisfied, rated on the average as 7.5 on a scale of 10 points
Most stressful areas	Assessment, Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), high expectations
Most helpful areas	Peers, clinical attachments, ward rounds, lectures, seniors, bed-side clinical tutorials
Assessment related issues	Reflective pieces, oral presentations and OSCEs are stressful, communication constraints
Personal & Support Concerns
Integration	Difficulty with Australian culture, cultural shock, rated on the average as 6 on a scale of 10 points
Coping resources	Family, friends, peers, seniors, lecturers, church family, holidays, internet access, resilience
Role of academic staff	Supportive, approachable, aided better adjustment. However no formal program for adjustment support