Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
The rapid expansion of international exchange programs has increased the importance of understanding students’ cultural adaptation to new academic and social environments. Cultural adaptation significantly influences exchange students’ academic success, psychological well-being, and intercultural competence. This article provides a systematic literature review of research on cultural adaptation processes among students participating in international exchange programs. Based on key theoretical frameworks such as acculturation theory, culture shock theory, and intercultural communication models, the review synthesizes findings from studies conducted in diverse educational contexts. The analysis highlights major factors affecting adaptation, including acculturation strategies, language self-confidence, social integration, and institutional support. The article concludes by emphasizing the joint role of students and host institutions in facilitating successful cultural adaptation.
References
1. Andrade, M. S. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities: Adjustment factors. Journal of Research in International Education, 5(2), 131–154
2. Arkoudis, S., & Baik, C. (2014). Crossing the interaction divide between international and domestic students. Higher Education Research & Development, 33(4), 722–737.
3. Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5–34.
4. Bianchi, C., & Martini, M. (2023). International students’ sociocultural adjustment: The role of language, social networks, and institutional support. Journal of International Students, 13(2), 345–362.
5. Conner, L., & Roberts, L. (2015). The lived experience of short-term study abroad: A phenomenological study. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 49, 1–10.
6. Furnham, A., & Bochner, S. (1986). Culture shock: Psychological reactions to unfamiliar environments. Methuen.
7. Kim, Y. Y. (2001). Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation. Sage Publications.
8. Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology, 7, 177–182.
9. Spencer-Oatey, H., & Franklin, P. (2009). Intercultural interaction: A multidisciplinary approach to intercultural communication. Palgrave Macmillan.
10. Şahin, S. (2017). Turkish Erasmus students’ level of cross-cultural adaptation. Journal of International Education Research, 13(2), 67–78.
11. Siddiqui, I. (2018). Cultural adaptation and academic adjustment of international students: A qualitative review. International Journal of Research in Education, 8(1), 45–59.
12. Su, Y., Mohammed, A. S. A., Yao, Y., Shi, P., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Cultural integration and adaptation challenge: A study of international students in Wenzhou. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 7(2), 39–52.
13. Tanasy, N., Nováková, K., & Hrabovská, Z. (2024). The cultural adaptation process during short-term international mobility. European Journal of Educational Research, 13(1), 91–104.
14. Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2001). The psychology of culture shock (2nd ed.). Routledge.
15. Yang, R. P. J., Noels, K. A., & Saumure, K. D. (2006). Multiple routes to cross-cultural adaptation: A motivation and language proficiency perspective. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30(4), 487–506.