I explored the ways in which Korean international students' spouses perceived and coped with the challenges associated with the adaptation process. I used in-depth interviews to examine how they dealt with life challenges, barriers, and coping strategies associated with acculturative stress. Three themes were identified: challenging life experiences and barriers as immigrants, the experience of emotional and psychological distress and stress, and new identified family structures. Two coping strategies used with acculturative stress were addressed: the recognition of personal strength and involvement in meaningful activities. I found that purposeful and meaningful activities associated with volunteerism, as well as cultural values and beliefs, played important roles in coping with stress. Further investigation into the role of meaningful activities for immigrants is necessary to have a better understanding of the phenomenon. © The Author(s) 2012.

stress/distress Coping and adaptation Asian people/cultures Health and well-being

South Korea Republic of Korea psychological aspect Spouses human Stress, Psychological mental stress Adaptation, Psychological social support language ethnology Voluntary Workers voluntary worker interview United States student Humans Interviews as Topic Acculturation female spouse Universities university adaptive behavior cultural factor Article adult Students Learning