Asian International Students’Cultural Adaptation at US Universities

This qualitative study examined the kinds of cultural adaptation challenges East and Southeast Asian international students experienced while studying at the college level in the United States, as well as adaptation behaviors and strategies they used to handle these challenges. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 85 students, and 26 of these students agreed to on-going informal interviews. Data was also collected through student-written narratives about their adaptation experiences. Findings show that students were challenged by new physical surroundings, academics, social interaction, and emotional reactions to their new life. Some students used behaviors that can impede adaptation, including home culture behavior impulses and avoiding interaction with Americans, as well as strategies that facilitate adaptation, including coping strategies, observing and matching behaviors, and doing and reflecting. This paper concludes with activities English teachers can use to prepare Asian students to meet challenges and understand strategies. This study adds a unique understanding of cultural adaptation by distinguishing between behaviors that can impede adaptation and strategies that facilitate it, as well as going beyond the usual discussion of coping strategies by documenting strategies of matching behaviors and reflecting and doing.