Social Contact and Adaptation

Abstract

This longitudinal mixed methods study examined the relationship of social contact and socio-cultural, academic, and psychological adaptation outcomes of international students. The study was conducted over 16 months, spanning over the complete sojourn of the students. Surveys were distributed early and near the end of the academic year (N=84), and semi-structured interviews were conducted once students returned home for at least a month (N=13). Findings suggest there was a significant increase of the quantity and quality of co-national and international contact over the academic year. However, the international students tended to socially segregate from “host national” students (UK students) and had difficulties in maintaining the degree of contact over time. The study also confirms the importance of non-co-national international contact in adaptation during the sojourn and re-adjustment to home cultures.