Haslina Hamzah

Lecturer/Doctoral Student, The Scottish Hotel School, Strathclyde Business School, Scotland, United Kingdom

Ku Zolidia Ku Mahamad

Hamzah Omar

Communication Adaptability and Cultural Adjustment International Students:
Does Region a Matter?

Abstract

The number of international students pursuing their studies in American higher institutions continues to increase. A considerable amount of research concerning these students generally focuses on their difficulties in adjusting to American culture. The study examines their level of communication adaptability in relation to their cultural adjustment. The study also compares the differences in their level of communication adaptability and cultural adjustment among students from different regions -- Asian, Europe and Mid-East. The results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between communication adaptability and cultural adjustment. Students from the three regions show a different level of communication adaptability and cultural adjustment.

The results also suggest that the communication adaptability variables have proven to be the most significant factor that predicts the cultural adjustment. The limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.

Bionote

I am a lecturer from Universiti Utara Malaysia but is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. The main area of study is cultural adjustment. My area of specialization is Organizational Communication. I have taught courses such as Organizational communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, public speaking, business communication, small group communication, etc. My research interest is cultural adjustment, organizational culture and communication apprehension.

Presentation Type
Virtual

Country
Malaysia