Factors That Contribute to the Adjustment of International Students

Leaving home to attend college is an important milestone for college students. However, the transition from home to college can be challenging, especially for students studying abroad. International college students are likely to experience adjustment issues when they enter college. Multiple factors contribute to the academic, social, cultural, and psychological adjustment of international students. Some international students find it easy to adjust to or cope with the stressors associated with living and studying in a foreign country, while others experience psychological distress. There is considerable research that documents how both personal and interpersonal factors impact the adjustment process of international students (Poyrazli & Grahame, 2007; Smith & Khawaja, 2011; Wang, Wei, Zhoa, Chuang, & Li, 2015; Yi, Lin, & Kishimoto, 2003; Zhang & Goodson, 2011). This article will to increase the reader's understanding about some of the issues that international students face during the process of adjusting to a new collegiate environment. More specifically, the article discusses factors that contribute to adjustment and it discusses the different phases of cultural adjustment. The article concludes with recommendations for students, educators and policy makers about culturally sensitive activities that promote the smooth transition and/ or that facilitate the adjustment of the international student to the new environment.LITERATURE REVIEWThe number of international students attending colleges and universities in the U.S. has increased significantly (Institute of International Education, Open Door, 2014). During the academic year of 2013-2014, there were 886,052 international students enrolled in US universities and colleges, which constituted an increase of 8.1%. More specifically, the number of international students increased by 72% (514,723 to 886,052 students) from 2000 to 2014. Since the number of international students continues to increase, an understanding of the factors associated with their adjustment is critical.Adjustment, derived from the Latin word ad-justare, is the process by which one balances needs and the obstacles in his or her environment. Yi et al. (2003) identified five areas in which international students are likely to experience adjustment issues. These areas included academic, physical health, financial, vocational and personal/social. Gebhard (2012) also studied international students' adjustment problems and behaviors. He found that students encountered problems in adjustment in three primary areas, academic, social interaction, and emotional reaction to their novel environment. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with available resources and how to access those resources, lack of an established social support system and/or social network compound the problems experienced in those areas (Smith & Khawaja, 2011) and often manifest in depression, loneliness and isolation (Wei et al., 2007). Wang et al., (2015) used the term "crosscultural loss" to describe the process in which international students struggle to adjust to the loss of things familiar to them (e.g., personal relationships, home/country environment, and educational system) while trying to adjust to a new culture and environment. They found that cross cultural loss decreased with life satisfaction, positive affect, general self-efficacy and social connection with mainstream society, all of which are indicators of increased cultural adjustment or acculturation.Cultural AdjustmentTrifonovitch (1977) identified four stages of cultural adjustment. Stage one is the honey moon stage, which is characterized by feelings of excitement. In this phase, students feel good about themselves and are ready to start their new adventure. They may feel a sense of accomplishment because they are studying in a foreign land. Their dreams have come true. Although the students may be thrilled about living in a new culture, the honey moon stage may also be characterized by discord because of cultural differences and misunderstandings. …