Adaptation to a new culture: A study of international students' experiences

The purpose of this research was to elucidate international university students' experiences associated with cultural differences and to identify their coping strategies and resources in adjusting to the American culture. A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews was utilized with 30 international students from 13 countries. Each student was asked to answer six open-ended questions aimed at maximizing responses that were expressed in the students' own words.;Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Spradley's (1979, 1980) ethnographic analysis procedures. Further, recurring themes in the responses were identified. The participants reported major cultural differences they experienced in the language, academic, and social areas. The language difference was found to be a strong factor that affected international students' behaviors in various aspects of their life.;Coping methods also were centered around the area of language; students used various strategies to improve their English skills. In the social area, international students were willing to adopt American ways in order to adjust to the culture. Attitudes of acceptance and understanding of another culture emerged as important elements for international students' successful adaptation to a different cultural environment. While international students reported their experiences of cultural differences in various aspects of their lives, similarities across cultures that are shared human values were also acknowledged by the students.;Various resources of help were reported by the international students. Family members appeared to be the most commonly used resource; however, the main function of this source was to provide the students with emotional support. International students preferred to seek help from friends and church members from the same country because of shared cultural values and similar experiences in this country.;The study indicated adaptation to a new cultural environment is a complex process. International students' adaptation process to this culture seems to be influenced by many factors, composing a unique adjustment pattern for each student. Implications to the educators and other professionals included English tutoring programs designed for international students and counseling services for international students by university counselors who are specifically trained in multicultural counseling.