A Reflective Study on the Issues of International Students’ Acculturation and its Coping Strategies: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Scientific - Research

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Higher Education Management, Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Administration and Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objectives: The internationalization of higher education, the increase in educational migration, and consequently the mutual influence of cultures on a global scale, as well as the expansion of intercultural interactions among native and international students, entail a bilateral transformation and reshaping of cultural norms at individual, group, and societal levels, commonly referred to as acculturation—a multidimensional process representing a shared chapter between two cultures. Therefore, understanding the acculturation process of international students, particularly their adaptation mechanisms and coping strategies regarding social, cultural, and academic challenges, as well as establishing a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic factors while living and studying in the host country, is perceived as a significant issue. In this regard, the present study, recognizing the neglect of comprehensive and precise exploration of the dimensions of this issue and aiming to achieve a deeper insight into the prevalent themes and concepts in the field of international students’ acculturation and its developmental trajectory, systematically reviews the literature in this domain over forty years (from the inception of studies in this field until July 2023), to contribute to the theoretical advancement of this field.
Materials and Methods: To examine studies related to the acculturation process of international students, an annual publication trend of these studies, visual analysis of journals, countries, and the intellectual structure of researchers in this field were investigated through a tripartite analysis comprising bibliometric analysis, scientometrics, and thematic analysis, along with the utilization of data visualization software (VOSviewer). This was carried out to examine the boundaries of knowledge, map the scientific landscape, visually identify thematic and conceptual clusters, extract the main themes of this scientific field, classify them into primary and secondary categories, and ultimately conduct a final analysis. In this comprehensive review, a combination approach was employed to identify studies within this domain and minimize errors and biases, adhering to the criteria and guidelines of the PRISMA protocol. Accordingly, the systematic selection process of studies in the investigated domain proceeded through four stages: Identification, Screening, Eligibility, and Inclusion. The qualitative assessment of the present research was conducted by employing the Scimago Journal Ranking (SJR) tool for scientific journals, focusing exclusively on articles in English and pertinent to the issue or issues concerning the acculturation process of international students in peer-reviewed international journals indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Additionally, concerning the qualitative assessment of the final selected articles, the viewpoints of two external expert reviewers in this field, who were not members of the research team, were also incorporated. 
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings revealed an upward trend in the publication of studies in this field at the international level, indicating researchers' inclination worldwide toward this research domain. The examination of the findings at the journal level not only elucidated the interdisciplinary nature of this subject but also revealed that research attention in this domain is largely influenced by national policies of countries towards the internationalization of higher education. Furthermore, the examination of countries' results also indicates the dispersion of research in this scientific field across all countries worldwide, with the largest share attributed to developed countries. Visual analysis of the literature using co-occurrence of terms method, along with trend analysis of research on the acculturation of international students, reflects the key topics of interest to researchers in this field. The results of the investigation into issues regarding the acculturation of international students in global research were categorized into six main clusters, namely: global citizenship and intercultural competence in education, the adjustment of international students and their individual, health-related, and psychological challenges during the educational transition period, resilience in multicultural environments, academic performance, cultural competence and capacity of international students in intercultural education, global experiences and international student interactions, migration, and employment. Moreover, the findings regarding the coping strategies of these students with acculturation issues and challenges were classified based on the thematic analysis approach into five main themes, namely: self-direction, networking, professional development, cultural interaction, and social support. Ultimately, the recommendations of this research were presented to higher education experts, policymakers, and research planners of the country to adopt a novel approach in decision-making and policy-making models in the realm of internationalization of higher education, setting new research priorities, and allocating budgetary resources accordingly. 

Keywords

References

Ahmed, A. (2023). Challenges and social adaptation of international students in Saudi Arabia. Helion, 9, 1–13.
Alkhatib, A., Wu, W., Alshikh Ahmad, H., Pakwan Suwal, R., Ni, Z., & Li, X. (2023). The experiences of menstrual symptom changes among international students studying in China during the acculturation period: A phenomenology study. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 10(2), 221-229. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.03.004
Andrade, M. S. (2009). The international student picture. In M. S. Andrade & N. W. Evans (Eds.), International students: Strengthening a critical resource (pp. 1–24). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Andrade, M. S. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities. Journal of Research in International Education, 5(2), 131–154.
Bai, J. (2016). Perceived support as a predictor of acculturative stress among international students in the United States. Journal of International Students, 6(1), 93-106.
Bai, B., Ge, Y., & Li, Z. (2023). Psychological study of international doctoral students studying in China: cross-cultural adaptation. Current Psychology. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04133-4
Bashir, A., Brinkman, D., Biemans, H. J. A., Khalid, R. (2021). A Qualitative Exploration of Acculturation Practices of Pakistani Scholars in Dutch Society. SAGE Open, 11(4). DOI: 10.1177/21582440211056335
Berry, J. W. (2008). Globalization and acculturation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 32(4), 328-336. DOI.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2008.04.001
Berry, J. W. (2005). Acculturation: Living successfully in two cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(6), 697–712. DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2005.07.013
Berry, J. W. (2003). Conceptual approaches to acculturation. In K. M. Chun, P. Balls Organista, & G. Marín (Eds.), Acculturation: Advances in theory, measurement, and applied research (pp. 17-37). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. DOI.org/10.1037/10472-004
Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5–68.
Berry, J. W., & Sam, D. L. (2016). The Cambridge handbook of acculturation psychology (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/CBO9781316219218.
Bhowmik, M. K. (2021). A qualitative inquiry of acculturation experiences of minoritised youth in Hong Kong. Curriculum Perspectives, 41(2), 131–141.
Boruah, A. (2016). A study on socio-cultural adaptation and psychological distress among international students using social support as a moderator. International Journal of Education & Management, 6(2), 180-185.
Bostrom, C. A. (2009). Diffusion of internationalization in Turkish higher education. Journal of  Studies in International Education, 14(2), 143-160. DOI: 10.1177/1028315309332028
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. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel .2010.02.009
Bu, Y. (2019). The role of an international education program in facilitating international students’ acculturation and self-efficacy. Published doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Department of Education, Texas, USA.
Campbell, T. A. (2015). A phenomenological study on International doctoral students’ acculturation experiences at a U.S. university. Journal of International Students, 5(3), 285-299.
Chapdelaine, R. F., & Alexitch, L. R. (2004). Social skills difficulty: Model of culture shock for international graduate students. Journal of  college Student Development, 45, 167–184.
Chavoshi, S., Wintre, M. G., Dentakos, S., & Wright, L. (2017). A developmental sequence model to university adjustment of international undergraduate students. Journal of International Students, 7(3), 703-727. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.570029
Chen, C. (2006). CiteSpace II: Detecting and visualizing emergingtrends and transient patterns inscientific literature. Journalof the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 57(3), 359–377.
Chen, C. P. (1999). Common stressors among international college students: Research and counseling implications. Journal of College Counseling, 2(1), 49–65. DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-1882.1999.tb00142.x
Constantine, M. G., Okazaki, S., & Utsey, S. O. (2004). Self-concealment, social self-efficacy, acculturative stress, and depression in African, Asian, and Latin American international college students. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 74, 230–241.
Donà, G., & Berry, J. W. (1994). Acculturation attitudes and acculturative stress of Central American refugees. International Journal of Psychology, 29(1), 57-70. DOI.org /10.1080 /00207599408246532
Du, Y., & Wei, M. (2015). Acculturation, Enculturation, Social Connectedness, and Subjective Well-Being Among Chinese International Students. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000014565712
Eaton, J. W. (1952). Controlled acculturation: A survival technique of the Hutterites. American Sociological Review, 17(3), 331-340. DOI:10.2307/2088079
Furnham, A., & Bochner, S. (1986). Culture shock: Psychological reactions to unfamiliar environments. London, UK: Methuen.
Garcia, D., Al Nima, A., & Kjell, O. N. E. (2014). The affective profiles, psychological well-being, and harmony: Environmental mastery and self-acceptance predict the sense of a harmonious life. Peerj, 2(e259), 1-21. DOI:10.7717/peerj.259
Gärtner, M., & Drbohlav, D. (2012). Acculturation of sojourners in Czechia (executive managers versus “the Czech people”)(Review). Cesky Lid, 99(4), 385–406.
Garza, D. D. (2015). The acculturation needs of international students at U.S. universities: A call for online anticipatory orientation. Published doctoral Dissertation. The University of Kansas, U.S.
Gillin, J., & Raimy, V. (1940). Acculturation and personality. American Sociological Review, 5(3), 371-380. DOI:10.2307/2084039
Graves, T. D. (1967). Psychological acculturation in a Tri-Ethnic community.
Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, 23(4), 337-350. DOI:10.1086/soutjanth.23.4.3629450
Hajro, A., Stahl, G. K., Clegg, C. C., Lazarova, M. B. (2019). Acculturation, coping, and integration success of international skilled migrants: An integrative review and multilevel framework (Review). Human Resource Management Journal, 29(3), 328–352.
Hanasono, L. K., Chen, L., Wilson, S. R. (2014). Identifying Communities in Need: Examining the Impact of Acculturation on Perceived Discrimination, Social Support, and Coping amongst Racial Minority Members in the United States. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 7(3), 216–237.
Hyun, J. K., Quinn, B. C., Madon, T., & Lustig, S. (2007). Mental health need, awareness, and use of counseling services among international graduate students. Journal of American College Health, 56, 109–118. 
Jackson, J. (2015). Becoming interculturally competent: Theory to practice in international education. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 48, 91–107.
Jackson, M., Ray, S., & Bybell, D. (2013). International students in the U.S.: Social and psychological adjustment. Journal of International Students, 3(1), 17–28.
Jibeen, T., & Khalid, R. (2010). Predictors of psychological well-being of Pakistani immigrants in Toronto, Canada. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 34(5), 452-464. DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.04.010
Jin, Y. Y., Ahn, S., & Lee, S. M. (2022). The Mediating Effect of Bicultural Self-Efficacy on Acculturation and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy for International Students in South Korea. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.  DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.602117
Karipek, Y. Z. (2017). Asylum-seekers experience and acculturation: A study of Syrian university students in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 105-133. DOI: 10.26513/tocd.316150.
Khorsandi Taskoh, A., & Liaghatdar, M. J. (2008). Inter-university relations and its role in the expansion of cross-border cooperations. Cultural Research, 1(2), 111-133.
Kim, J. (2012). Acculturation phenomena experienced by the spouses of Korean international students in the United States. Qualitative Health Research, 22(6), 755–767.
King, C. S. T., & Bailey, K. S. (2021). Intercultural communication and US higher education: How US students and faculty can improve: International students’ classroom experiences. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 82, 278-287. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2021.04.007
Lu, H. (2015). Burgers or Tofu? Eating Between Two Worlds: Risk Information Seeking and Processing During Dietary Acculturation. Health Communication, 30(8), 758–771.
Macharia-Lowe, J. (2017). Evaluating cross-cultural acculturation experiences influencing international black African students’ academic success in a United States university. Published doctoral dissertation, University of Southern California, School of Education, U.S.
Mak, A. S., & Kim, I. (2011). Korean international students’ coping resources and psychological adjustment in Australia. OMNES: The Journal of Multicultural Society, 2(1), 56-84.
Mallett, R., Hagen-Zanker, J., Slater, R., & Duvendack, M. (2012). The benefits and challenges of using systematic reviews in international development research. Journal of Development Effectiveness, 4(3), 445–455.  
Mao, R., & Liu, Y. (2016). Social Support: A moderator between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adaptation of international students in Chinese Universities. International Forum of Teaching and Studies, 12(2), 32-36.
McBurney, M. K., & Novak, P. L. (2002). What is bibliometrics and why should you care? IEEE International Professional Communication Conference (pp. 108–114). https://doi.org/10.1109/ipcc.2002.1049094
McCabe, P. C., & Meller, P. J. (2004). The relationship between language and social competence: How language impairment affects social growth. Psychology in the Schools, 41, 313–321.
McClure, J. W. (2007). International graduates’ cross-cultural adjustment: Experiences, coping strategies, and suggested programmatic responses. Teaching in Higher Education, 12, 199–217.
McKinlay, N. J., Pattison, H. M., & Gross, H. (1996). An exploratory investigation of the effects of a cultural orientation program on the psychological well-being of international students. Higher Education, 31, 379–395.
Mehdizadeh, N., & Scott, G. (2005). Adjustment problems of Iranian international students in Scotland. International Education Journal, 6(4), 484-493.
Misra, R., Crist, M., & Burant, C. J. (2003). Relationship among life stress, social support, academic stressors, and reactions to stressors of  international students in the United States. International Journal of Stress Management, 10(2), 137–157. DOI:10.1037/1072-5245.10.2.137
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & PRISMA Group*. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Annals of internal medicine, 151(4), 264-269.
Mori, S. (2000). Addressing the mental health concerns of international students. Journal of Counseling and Development, 78, 137–144.
Nadeem, M. U., Mohammed, R., Dalib, S., & Mumtaz, S. (2022). An investigation of factors influencing intercultural communication competence of the international students from a higher education institute in Malaysia. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 14(3), 933-945. DOI: 10.1108/JARHE-03-2021-0111
OECD (2021). What is the profile of internationally mobile students? https:// doi. org/ 10. 1787/ 5A49E 448-EN.
Oei, T. P. S., & Notowidjojo, F. (1990). Depression and loneliness in overseas students. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 36, 121–130.
Pan, J., & Wong, D. (2011). Acculturative strressors and Acculturative Strategies as Predictors of Negative Affect Among Chinese International Students in A Cross-cultural Comparative Study. Academic Psychiatry, 35(6), 376–381. 
Pang, H., & Wang, J. (2020). Promoting or prohibiting: Understanding the influence of social media on international students’ acculturation process, coping strategies, and psychological consequences. DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2020.101454
Park, J., Joshanloo, M., Utsugi, A. (2023). Acculturation attitudes and adaptation among South Korean residents in Japan: The mediating role of coping strategies. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101799
Park, R. E. (1928). Human migration and the marginal man. American Journal of Sociology, 33(6), 881-893. DOI:10.1086/214592
Pawar, S. K., Vispute, S., Lslam, T., & Chanda, R. (2020). International students’ motivations for studying in Indian universities: Implications for value proposition and positioning strategies. Research in Comparative & International Education, 1–13. DOI: 10.1177/1745499920910579
Pearson, W. S. (2022). The teaching English as a Second Language Electronic Journal (TESL-EJ): A bibliometric analysis of the first 99 issues. Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language—TESL-EJ, 25(4), 1–21.
Perez-Rodriguez, M. M., Baca-Garcia, E., Oquendo, M. A., Wang, S., Wall, M. M., Liu, S.-M., Blanco, C. (2014). Relationship between acculturation, discrimination, and suicidal ideation and attempts among us hispanics in the national epidemiologic survey of alcohol and related conditions. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(4), 399–407.
Pietro, G. D. (2020). Does an international academic environment promote study abroad? Journal of Studies in International Education, 1-18. DOI: 10.1177/1028315320913260
Poyrazli, S., & Lopez, M. D. (2007). An exploratory study of perceived discrimination and homesickness: A comparison of international students and American students. The Journal of Psychology, 141(3), 263–280. DOI: 10.3200/JRLP.141.3.263-280
Ra, Y. -A. (2023). Roles of social support on acculturative stress of Asian international students. Current Psychology. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04696-w
Ra, Y., & Trusty J. (2015). Coping Strategies for Managing Acculturative Stress Among Asian International Students. International Journal of Advance Counselling, 37, 319–329.
Rahman, S. U. (2018). Psychological well-being of international students in Thai universities: Effects of socio-cultural adjustment. Paper presented at Oriental Business and Innovation Center conference (OBC-2), Budapest, Hungary, 10th-11th May, 2018.
Redfield, R., Linton, R., & Herskovits, M. J. (1936). Memorandum for the study of acculturation. American Anthropologist, 38(1), 149-152. DOI: 10.1525/aa.1936.38.1.02a00330
Russell, J., Rosenthal, D., & Thomson, G. (2010). The international student experience: Three styles of adaptation. Higher Education, 60(2), 235-249. DOI:10.1007/s10734-009-9297-7
Ryan, G. W., & Bernard, H. R. (2000). Data Management and Analysis  methods. In N. K. Denzin, & Y. S. Lincoln, (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 769–802.), Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 
Ryan, M. E., & Twibell, R. S. (2000). Concerns, values, stress, coping, health and educational outcomes of college students who study abroad. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 24, 409–435.
Sam, D. L., & Berry, J. W. (2010). Acculturation: when individuals and groups of different cultural backgrounds meet. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 472-481. DOI: 10.1177/1745691610373075
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. DOI:10.1016/0147-1767(90)90030-Z
Senci, V., Hendrickson, B., & Debevc, M. (2022). Examining Erasmus student social integration at two Croatian universities. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 90,  57-72. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2022.07.007
Siatkowski, A. A. (2007). Hispanic Acculturation: A Concept Analysis. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 18(4), 316-323. DOI.org/10.1177/1043659607305193
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.
Sokolova, E. V., Voevoda, E. V., & Morozov, V. M. (2022). Sociocultural adaptive stressors of international students in Russia. Perspektivy Nauki i Obrazovania, 59(5), 476-490. DOI: 10.32744/pse.2022.5.28
Stonequist, E. V. (1935). The problem of the marginal man. American Journal of Sociology, 41(1), 1-12. DOI:10.1086/217001
Suanet, I., & Van De Vuver, F. J. R. (2009). Perceived cultural distance and acculturation among exchange students in Russia. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 19(3), 182-197. DOI:10.1002/casp.989
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.
Teske, R. H. C., & Nelson, B. H. (1974). Acculturation and assimilation: A
clarification. American Ethnologist, 1(2), 351-367. DOI:10.1525/ae.1974.1.2.02a00090
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence-informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14, 207-222.
Tung, W. (2011). Acculturative stress and help-seeking behaviors among international students. Home Health Care Management & Practice, 23(5), 383–385.
UIS Statistics. (2021). http:// data. uis. unesco. org/ Index. aspx? query id= 172#. Accessed 10 December 2021.
Visot, L. R. (2020). Value congruence and the acculturation experience of Puerto Rican female citizen-soldiers: A narrative inquiry. Published doctoral dissertation, George Washington University, School of Education and Human Development, U.S.
Wang, J. (2009). A study of resiliency characteristics in the adjustment of international graduate students at American Universities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 13, 22–45.
Wang, Y. X., & Bai, L. (2020). Academic acculturation in 2+2 joint programmes: students’ perspectives. Higher Education Research & Development. DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2020 .1775556
Ward, C. (2008). Thinking outside the Berry boxes: New perspectives on identity, acculturation and intercultural relations. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 32(2), 105- 114. DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2007.11.002
Ward, C. (2004). Psychological theories of culture contact and their implications for intercultural training and interventions. In D. Landis, J. M. Bennett, & M. J. Bennett (Eds.), Handbook of intercultural training (3rd ed.) (pp.185-216). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2001). The psychology of culture shock (2nd Ed.). London: Routledge.
Ward, C., & Rana-Deuba, A. (1999). Acculturation and adaptation revisited. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 30(4), 422-442. DOI:10:1177/0022022199030004003
Wilczewski, M., & Alon, I. (2023). Language and Communication in International Students Adaptation: a Bibliometric and Content Analysis Review. Higher Education, 85, 1235–1256.
Wilton, L., & Constantine, M. G. (2003). Length of residence, cultural adjustment difficulties, and psychological distress symptoms in Asian and Latin American international college students. Journal of College Counseling, 6(2), 177-186. DOI:10.1002/j.2161-1882.2003.tb00238.x
Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2019). Guidance on conducting a systematic literature review. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 39(1), 93–112. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456x17723971
Yeh, C. J. (2006). An examination of acculturative stress, interpersonal social support, and use of online ethnic social groups among Chinese international students. Howard J. Commun, 17, 1-20. 
Yeh, C. J., & Inose, M. (2003). International students’ reported English fluency, social support satisfaction, and social connectedness as predictors of acculturative stress. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 16, 15–28.
Yieh, T. K. (1934). The adjustment problems of Chinese graduate students in American universities. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Ying, Y. -W., & Han, M. (2006). The contribution of personality, acculturative stressors, and social affiliation to adjustment: A longitudinal study of Taiwanese students in the United States. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30(5), 623–635. DOI: 10.1016 /j.ijintrel.2006.02.001

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics