In an effort to embrace the culture of many of her students, a dedicated university professor has taken it upon herself to embark on a Chinese language course to enhance her communication skills. Head of Learning and Teaching at Aston Business School, Helen Higson is learning how to speak Mandarin so she can talk to overseas students in their native tongue and understand their culture better. 

Professor Higson is being taught on the University campus by the School of Languages and European Studies.  She has been learning the language for four weeks and is already able to conduct a conversation in Mandarin. Professor Higson said "Aston Business School enjoys a strong international student population with a number of students who speak Mandarin as a first language. My long term aim is that by learning how to speak in Mandarin, the Chinese students can communicate with me and feel comfortable studying at Aston. In my job as Head of Teaching and Learning I have a lot of contact with first year students, who immediately feel at ease when I say hello to them in their own language.

She added: "After my Mandarin lesson I practice what I've learnt by speaking to some of the business school's Chinese students. The students find it quite funny when I speak in Mandarin but there is also a serious reason for me learning the language. China has a rich culture where harmony and respect are paramount. It is therefore appropriate for me to adopt a proactive approach to bridge any multi-cultural gaps and to gain a mutual respect from students. Learning Mandarin not only gives me an insight into a different culture, but helps Chinese students feel comfortable in coming to me to discuss any academic matters they may have.