IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e- ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 7, Issue 4 Ver. V (Jul.-Aug. 2018), PP 58-66 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0704055866 www.iosrjournals.org 58 | Page Challenges and Culture Shock Symptoms among International Nursing Students at Cairo University Liliane Isaac Iskander Narouz, 1 (lecturer, Medical Surgical Department, Faculty of Nursing/ Cairo University, Egypt) Corresponding Author: Liliane Isaac Iskander Narouz Abstract: Cairo University was on the top to attract international students from all the Middle East and Africa. Aim of the study was to explore challenges and culture shock symptoms among international nursing students at Cairo University. Descriptive exploratory design was utilized. Tools for data collection were divided into 3 main Parts: Demographic characteristics; challenges faced by international nursing students and demonstrated into 5 sections; and culture shock symptoms assessment Sheet. Results showed that homesickness followed by missing own culture were the most common symptoms faced by the subjects. Facing challenges with academic achievement was the higher percentage faced by the student followed by difficulties to communicate with patients in the clinical practice, to learn new behaviors to adapt with the new culture and discrimination, was the most social concern. In addition financial challenges because absence of scholarship. The study recommends an orientation program tailored to the needs of the students, peer support in the clinical practices, and a culture sensitive curriculum to avoid racism and discrimination --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 21-07-2018 Date of acceptance: 04-08-2018 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction The world is becoming more and more multidimensional, both culturally and linguistically as people moves from one country to another across borders [1], especially the Middle East has experienced a dramatic flood of refugees and forced migration over the last years [2]. Egypt's rapprochement with Africa at this stage became the focus of the Egyptian foreign political movement, especially after the revolution of June 2013[3]. The Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the African Development Bank have arranged the pan – African forum 2018 in Egypt to discuss the co-operation between Egypt and African countries regarding research and education, and the vision of Egypt was to promote investments in higher education, science and scientific research for sustainable development goals of 2030 In this respect, a high rate of international student’s mobility at the Egyptian universities happened in the few last years and it shows an increase of international student admission. Cairo University, took the lead in Egypt and the Arab world for attracting the qualified international students and enhancing international relations in the field of education and research[4]. The Council of Cairo University approved the increase in the number of international students, where it was decided to accept up to 30% of them of the maximum number of students, [5]. International students face many challenges such as culture diversity, education system, language, environment customs and traditions. Particularly, if their home country culture is strikingly different from the host country culture, it is not surprising that the physical and psychological well-being of students, as well as their academic performance, can be affected by these adjustment challenges[6]. Challenges face by international students are tremendous including, academic, social, financial, social and cultural [7]. As a large part of nursing education is carried out in clinical environments; clinical education is considered to be an essential and integral part of the nursing education program; the international nursing students face more challenges related to clinical practice as they have to deal with different type of people nit only educators and students, but also they have to communicate with patients and their relatives, staff nurses, physician, and other social staff. Merriam Webster defines culture shock as “a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation.” Culture shock is a transitional phenomenological experience encountered by individuals because they find themselves unable to use known and familiar cultural references to understand, convey and validate central aspects of their identity in a new culture [8]. Perhaps most upsetting is the loss of social support system (family, friends, classmates, coworkers), and the necessity of starting all over again in an unfamiliar environment. (international student insurance (Little, 2013). literature shows different symptoms of culture shocks that is classified into psychological and physical symptoms, example of these symptoms includes: despair, boredom, withdrawal; avoiding contact with host nationals), feeling isolated or helpless, sleeping a lot