Sociocultural Adaptation Challenges of International Students at a Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/lspi.v4n2.58Keywords:
e-practices, online community, online language teaching and learning, ESLAbstract
Malaysian Higher Learning Institutions currently have more than one hundred thousand international students as a part of its pledge of internationalization of Higher Education. One of the core challenges for its international students is their sociocultural adjustments into the new environment. This study investigates the sociocultural adaptation challenges of international students in the host university. A total of 200 students were surveyed using a modified version of the sociocultural adaptation scale (SCAS). Using a quantitative approach, Exploratory Factor Analysis, ANOVA and T-test were performed to analyze the data. The findings show that the students face challenges in four aspects, namely language proficiency, academic adaptation, environmental adaptation and interpersonal adaptation. The results of the independent sample t-test show that, ‘language adaptation’ and ‘academic adaptation’ have more influence on the sociocultural adjustments of international students, while ‘interpersonal adaptation’ has little influence. In addition, results of the ANOVA show that the university campus and region of origin of the students influence the ‘academic and ‘environmental’ adaptation of the students. Based on the findings, we suggest that Malaysian universities should encourage cross-cultural adaptation through improving their social support linkages with the locals and the people of different culture than their own.References
Abdullah, M. C., Adebayo, A. S., & Talib, A. R. 2015. Relationship between Demographic Factors, Social Support and Sociocultural Adjustment among International Post Graduate Students in a Malaysian Public University. Journal of Educational and Social Research. 5(2): 87.
Alavi, M., & Mansor, S. M. S. 2011. Categories of Problems Among International Students in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Arokiasamy, A. R. A., & Krishnaveni, N. 2011. An Analysis of Globalization and Higher Education in Malaysia. Online Submission. 5(1): 141-150.
Awang, S., Maros, M., & Ibrahim, N. 2013. Malay Values in Intercultural Communication. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity. 2(3): 201-205. doi:10.7763/IJSSH.2012.V2.96.
Bektaş, D. Y. 2004. Psychological Adaptation and Acculturation of the Turkish Students in the United States. Middle East Technical University.
Berry, J. W., & Sam, D. L. 1997. Acculturation and Adaptation. Handbook of Cross-cultural Psychology. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.my/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Z0L7dwJKel8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA291&dq=cultural+knowledge,international+students,malaysia&ots=hDkRJ9yqaN&sig=7ksUxLQb4YU95e9m2K8ZgnoEa-8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=cultural%20knowledge%2Cinternational%20students%2Cmalaysia&f=false.
Brisset, C., Safdar, S., Lewis, J. R., & Sabatier, C. 2010. Psychological and Sociocultural Adaptation of University Students in France: The Case of Vietnamese International Students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 34(4): 413-426.
Cemalcilar, Z., Falbo, T., & Stapleton, L. M. (2005). Cyber Communication: A New Opportunity for International Students’ Adaptation? International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 29(1): 91-110.
Chen, S.-H. 2009. A Study of International Students' Life Situation-A Case Study of the International Students in University of Twente. Masters. University of Twente, Netherlands. Retrieved from http://essay.utwente.nl/60378/1/MSc_Sheng-He_Chen.pdf.
Chirkov, V., Safdar, S., De Guzman, J., & Playford, K. 2008. Further Examining the Role Motivation to Study Abroad Plays in the Adaptation of International Students in Canada. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 32(5): 427-440.
Choo, J. C. S., & Singh, M. K. M. 2013. International Students’perspectives on Quantity and Quality of Social Interaction with Host National Students.
Chou, C.-H. 2014. International Students' Learning Experiences in Taiwanese Higher Education: California State University, Fullerton.
Chuah, J., Choo, S., Kaur, M., & Singh, M. 2013. International Students’ Perspectives on Quantity and Quality of Social Interaction with Host National Students. Educational Research International. 2(2): 7-15.
de Araujo, A. A. 2011. Adjustment Issues of International Students Enrolled in American Colleges and Universities: A Review of the Literature. Higher Education Studies. 1(1): p2.
Faleel, S.-F., Tam, C.-L., Lee, T.-H., Har, W.-M., & Foo, Y.-C. 2012. Stress, Perceived Social Support, Coping Capability and Depression: A Study of Local and Foreign Students in the Malaysian Context. Int J Soc Hum Sci. 6: 8-14.
Field, A. 2013. Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. Sage.
Furnham, A., & Bochner, S. 1982. Social Difficulty in a Foreign Culture: An Empirical Analysis of Culture Shock.
Guo, S., & Chase, M. 2011. Internationalisation of Higher Education: Integrating International Students Into Canadian Academic Environment. Teaching in Higher Education. 16(January 2015): 305-318. doi:10.1080/13562517.2010.546524.
Hendrickson, B., Rosen, D., & Aune, R. K. 2011. An Analysis of Friendship Networks, Social Connectedness, Homesickness, and Satisfaction Levels of International Students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 35(3): 281-295.
Ina Suryani, A. R., Shafiq Hizwari, M. H., Md Aminul, I., & Hazry, D. 2012. Using Weblog in Learning English and Encouraging Adaptation Among International Students in Perlis.
Jani, R., Zubairi, Y. Z., Huam, H. T., & Ngah, A. H. 2010. International Students' Views of Malaysian Higher Education. Marketing of Higher Education Malaysia.
Jung, E., Hecht, M. L., & Wadsworth, B. C. 2007. The Role of Identity in International Students’ Psychological Well-being in the United States: A Model of Depression Level, Identity Gaps, Discrimination, and Acculturation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 31(5): 605-624.
Kashima, E. S., & Loh, E. 2006. International Students’ Acculturation: Effects of International, Conational, and Local Ties and Need For Closure. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 30(4),:471-485.
Kim, Y. Y. 2000. Becoming Intercultural: An Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-Cultural Adaptation. Sage Publications.
Lawrence, N. E. 2011. The Effects of Cultural Intelligence, Self Efficacy and Cross Cultural Communication on Cross Cultural Adaptation of International Students in Taiwan. 1-85.
Lee, M. N. N. 1999. Education in Malaysia: Towards Vision 2020. School Effectiveness and School Improvement. 10(1): 86-98. doi:10.1076/sesi.10.1.86.3514.
Lee, M. N. N. 2004. Global Trends, National Policies and Institutional Responses: Restructuring Higher Education in Malaysia. Educational Research for Policy and Practice. 3(2004): 31-46. doi:10.1007/s10671-004-6034-y.
Li, A., & Gasser, M. B. 2005. Predicting Asian International Students’ Sociocultural Adjustment: A Test of Two Mediation Models. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 29(5): 561-576.
Lian, Y., & Tsang, K.-k. 2010. The Impacts of Acculturation Strategies and Social Support on the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Mainland Chinese Students in Hong Kong. Educational Research Journal. 25(1): 81.
Mahmud, Z., Amat, S., Rahman, S., & Ishak, N. M. 2010. Challenges for International Students in Malaysia: Culture, Climate and Care. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 7(2): 289-293. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.10.040.
Malaklolunthu, S., & Selan, P. S. 2011. Adjustment Problems Among International Students in Malaysian Private Higher Education Institutions. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 15: 833-837. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.194.
Manguvo, A. 2013. The Relationship between Ethnic Identiy, Perceived Acceptance, and Sociocultural Adjustment of African Students in the US.
Manjet Kaur Mehar, S. 2012. Friendship Patterns between International and Local Undergraduates in a Malaysian Public Institution of Higher Learning. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education. 2(1): 267-280.
Mesidor, J. K., & Sly, K. F. 2015. Factors that Contribute to the Adjustment of International Students. Journal of International Students 2016. 6(1), 262-282.
Mohd, Y. 2010. Demographic Differences Among International Undergraduate Students at a Malaysian Public University. Global Journal of Management and Business Research. 10(2).
Mustaffa, C. S., & ILIAS, M. 2013. Relationship between Students Adjustment Factors and Cross Cultural Adjustment: A Survey at the Northern University of Malaysia. Intercultural Communication Studies. 1(22): 279-300.
Nga, J. C. L. 2009. The Internationalisation of Malaysian Private Higher Education Institutions for Increasing Higher Education Exports. Retrieved from http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/279/.
Pandian, A. 2008a. Multiculturalism in Higher Education: A Case Study of Middle Eastern Students' Perceptions and Experiences in a Malaysian University. International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies. 4(1): 33-59.
Pedersen, P. J. 2010. Assessing Intercultural Effectiveness Outcomes in a Year-Long Study Abroad Program. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 34(1): 70-80.
Podrug, N., Krišto, M., & Kovač, M. 2014. Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Croatian Expatriates. Ekonomski Pregled. 65(5): 453-472.
Rajab, A., Rahman, H. A., Panatik, S. A., & Mansor, N. S. 2014. Acculturative Stress among International Students. Shock. 2(4): 2-5. doi:10.7763/JOEBM.2014.V2.136.
Rajab, A., Wahab, S. R. A., Shaari, R., Panatik, S. A., & Nor, F. M. 2013. Academic and Social Adjustment of International Undergraduates: A Quantitative Approach.
Rathus, S. A., & Nevid, J. S. 1986. Adjustment and Growth: The Challenges of Life. 3rd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Rienties, B., & Tempelaar, D. 2013. The Role of Cultural Dimensions of International and Dutch Students on Academic and Social Integration and Academic Performance in the Netherlands. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 37(2): 188-201. doi:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2012.11.004.
Sam, D. L. 2001. Satisfaction with Life Among International Students: An Exploratory Study. Social Indicators Research. 53(3): 315-337.
Sawir, E., Marginson, S., Deumert, A., Nyland, C., & Ramia, G. 2008. Loneliness and International Students: An Australian Study. Journal of Studies in International Education. 12(2): 148-180.
Searle, W., & Ward, C. 1990. The Prediction of Psychological and Sociocultural Adjustment During Cross-cultural Transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 14(4): 449-464.
Selvaratnam, V. 1988. Ethnicity, Inequality, and Higher Education in Malaysia. Comparative Education Review. 32(2): 173-173. doi:10.1086/446755.
Shupe, E. I. 2007. Clashing Cultures A Model of International Student Conflict. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. 38(6): 750-771.
Simic-Yamashita, M., & Tanaka, M. 2010. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS) among International Students in Japan. 29: 27-38.
Sirat, M. 2008. The Impact of September 11 on International Student Flow into Malaysia: Lessons Learned. IJAPS. 4(1): 80-95.
Smith, R. A., & Khawaja, N. G. 2011. A Review of the Acculturation Experiences of International Students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 35(6): 699-713.
Spencer-Oatey, H., & Xiong, Z. 2006. Chinese Students' Psychological and Sociocultural Adjustments to Britain: An Empirical Study. Language, Culture and Curriculum. 19(1): 37-53.
Sullivan, A. 2008. Exploring the Acculturation of Taiwanese Students in an Australian University: English Self-confidence, Wellbeing and Friendships. Griffith Working Papers in Pragmatics and Intercultural Communication. (1,2): 119‐136.
Sullivan, C., & Kashubeck-West, S. 2015. The Interplay of International Students’ Acculturative Stress, Social Support, and Acculturation Modes. Journal of International Students. 5(1): 1-11.
Sümer, S., Poyrazli, S., & Grahame, K. 2008. Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Among International Students. Journal of Counseling & Development. 86(4): 429-437.
Talib, A. N. A., Malek, M. M. A., Jaguli, A. R., & Husin, H. 2014, 16 - 17 JUNE 2014. Anxiety and Sociocultural Adjustment from the Perspective of International Students in Malaysia. Paper Presented at the 4th International Conference On Management, The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel, Bali Indonesia.
Talib, M. A. 2010. Cultural Influences and Mandated Counseling in Malaysia. 2(1): 28-33.
Ţirban, N., & Stiegelbauer, L. R. P. 2012. Challenges and Barriers for International Students in Romania. International. 190-194.
Toyokawa, T., & Toyokawa, N. 2002. Extracurricular Activities and the Adjustment of Asian International Students: A Study of Japanese Students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 26(4): 363-379.
Ward, C., & Kennedy, A. 1993. Acculturation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of British Residents in Hong Kong. The Journal of Social Psychology. 133(3): 395-397.
Ward, C., & Kennedy, A. 1999. The Measurement of Sociocultural Adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 23(4): 659-677.
Ward, C., & Masgoret, A.-M. 2004. The Experiences of International Students in New Zealand. Report on the Results of a National Survey. Wellington: Ministry of Education.
Ward, C., & Rana-Deuba, A. 1999. Acculturation and Adaptation Revisited. Journal of Cross-cultural Psychology. 30(4): 422-442.
Ward, C. A., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. 2001. The Psychology of Culture Shock. Hove: Routledge: Psychology Press.
Wilson, G. P. 2011. Fitting-in: Sociocultural Adaptation of International Graduate Students. Paper presented at the NERA Conference Proceedings 2011, USA.
Yang, R. U. I. 2003. Globalisation and Higher Education Development: Globalisation and Cultural Homogenisation at the 26th Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Comparative and International Education Society (ANZCIES), The Maori Guest Speaker, Former Chance. International Review of Education. 49(3-4): 269-291.
Yee, C. P., & Mokhtar, A. H. A. 2013. International Students’ Learning Experiences at Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia. Proceedings of the Global Summit on Education, Kuala Lumpur, March. 11-12.
Yeh, C. J., & Inose, M. 2003. International Students' Reported English Fluency, Social Support Satisfaction, and Social Connectedness as Predictors of Acculturative Stress. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 16(1): 15-28.
Yusoff, Y. M. 2010. Demographic Differences Among International Undergraduate Students at a Malaysian Public University. Global Journal of Management and Business Research. 10(2): 36-41.
Yusoff, Y. M. 2011a. International Students' Adjustment in Higher Education: Relation Between Social Support, Self-Efficacy, and Socio-Cultural Adjustment. Australian Journal of Business and Management Research. 1(1): 1-15.
Yusoff, Y. M. 2011b. Self-efficacy, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Adjustment in International Undergraduate Students in a Public Higher Education Institution in Malaysia. Journal of Studies in International Education. 1028315311408914.
Yusoff, Y. M., & Chelliah, S. 2010. Adjustment in International Students in Malaysian Public University. International Journal of Innovation, Management. 1(3): 2008-2011.
