We believe…
True support is about empowerment,
and we have the Know-How.
SEP 4-6, ’21
Yosemite National Park, California
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Why HENCE
“Different cultures bring different expectations. Understanding those differences is where meaningful support begins.”
Airiel Lin
Founder of HENCE Intercultural
Student Success Is More Than Academic Achievement.
Research consistently highlights the challenges international students can face beyond academic study. Even highly capable students may struggle to adapt to unfamiliar teaching methods, academic expectations and communication styles. Building friendships and a sense of belonging can take time, while cultural differences may influence how students experience stress, express concerns and seek help.
These challenges are not always visible or easily recognised. Without intercultural understanding on both sides, even well-established support systems may overlook students’ difficulties until they develop into more serious problems.
HENCE helps students and staff understand these differences, communicate more effectively and connect with appropriate support.
HENCE helps make those connections through practical intercultural workshops, training and tailored guidance..
Who We Help
Practical cross-cultural transition education for international students, families and the institutions that support them.
Why does it matter?
Better understanding. Stronger support. Better student experiences.
Students, families and institutions each play an important role. But support is most effective when expectations are clear, communication is open and everyone knows how to work together.
Not every struggle is visible.
Moving abroad can bring emotional pressures alongside academic demands. Students may also differ in how they express distress or seek help.
1 in 2 international students surveyed at Russell Group universities reported experiencing poor mental health while studying in the UK.
HENCE promotes earlier conversations, greater awareness and more confident access to appropriate support.
Being on campus doesn’t always mean feeling included.
Making friends, understanding humour, navigating social expectations and responding to discrimination can be challenging in unfamiliar environments.
1 in 3 international students surveyed at Russell Group universities reported experiencing racism in the UK.*
HENCE helps students build connections and staff create more inclusive, responsive environments.
The same conversation can mean different things.
A student may interpret feedback differently from what a tutor intended. Staff may mistake quietness for disengagement. Families may have different expectations about institutional responsibilities.
Research into international students’ mental-health help-seeking identifies stigma, cultural expectations and barriers to accessing services. *
HENCE equips both students and staff to recognise assumptions, clarify meaning and communicate more effectively.
Good grades don’t guarantee a smooth transition.
Students may meet entry requirements yet be unfamiliar with independent learning, critical thinking, feedback and classroom participation.
2025 research found that only 49% of surveyed international undergraduates would choose the same course and university again. This reflects broader expectations and experience, not academic failure.
HENCE helps students understand expectations and staff recognise different approaches to learning.
We are independent
When the usual chain of support isn’t working…
HENCE offers independent, impartial support.
Combining intercultural understanding, bilingual language expertise, experienced UK educators and safeguarding-trained professionals,
we help bridge misunderstandings, address concerns and restore constructive communication
– always keeping students’ best interests at heart.
Who are HENCE?
We’re independent, DRB, safeguarding trained
Schools and universities invest considerable time and resources in supporting international students. Yet differences in language, culture, expectations and communication can sometimes prevent that support from reaching its full potential.
SEP 22-24, ’21
Climbing the highest point of Yosemite
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What members
are saying
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Our Six Focus Areas
Helping international students thrive through understanding, connection and independence.
Our Sponsors
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
