Journal of International Students
Volume 8, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 821-842

Cross-cultural adaptation of international college students in the United States (Article)

Wang Y. , Li T. , Noltemeyer A. , Wang A. , Zhang J. , Shaw K.
  • a Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
  • b Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States, University of Toledo, United States
  • c Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
  • d Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
  • e Department of Educational Leadership, College of Education Health and Society, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
  • f Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States

Abstract

The number of international students attending U.S. colleges and universities has increased considerably over the past decade, and the adaptation of these students is an important concern in cross-cultural research. Using survey data collected from a sample of 169 international students attending a U.S. university, this study examines the temporal patterns of students’ psychological and socio-cultural adaptation. The results suggest a two-phase U-curved process of psychological adaptation, with the most obvious culture shock occurring during a student’s first nine to 24 months of residence. Socio-cultural adaptation is found to increase steadily over time, without significant retreat. Interpretations, implications, and limitations of the findings are provided. © Journal of International Students.

Author Keywords

U-curve Psychological adaptation International students Socio-cultural adaptation

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85047849018&doi=10.5281%2fzenodo.1250383&partnerID=40&md5=285856d618957930915243ec922ddce9
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1250383
ISSN: 21623104
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English