The anatomy of international students’ acculturation in UK universities

Abstract

<jats:p> The diversity of the student population in the United Kingdom’s higher education sector evokes a vision of the world as a global village. The effect of this diversity on the UK economy has been considerable. Nevertheless, the research attention given to how overseas students can become integrated into UK culture remains inadequate. This interpretive research study helps to fill that gap by exploring the acculturation of overseas students in the United Kingdom using a London-based university as the contextual platform. It discusses the challenges faced by overseas students, which include culture shock, discrimination and limited opportunities for interpersonal relationships, and looks at how these challenges might be addressed. The article suggests strategic directions for higher education institutions to create value for their target students in the highly competitive education sector. </jats:p>

International student mobility and its broad impact on destination countries: A review and agenda for future research

“…This result indicates that population diversity does not necessarily elicit interaction diversity. Moreover, it is important for the organization to cultivate an environment that encourages cross-cultural communication and receives this information (Pandian et al, 2016; Gbadamosi, 2018). However, for universities in some countries a huge response gap remains (Nada and Araújo, 2019; Urbanovič et al, 2016).…”

From real to virtual mobility: Erasmus students’ transition to online learning amid the COVID-19 crisis

“…The processes of cultural acculturation and the phenomenon of potential culture shock have been widely investigated in the past (for example, Brown and Holloway, 2008; Chapdelaine and Alexitch, 2004; Gbadamosi, 2018; Oberg, 1960; Searle and Ward, 1990; Winkelman, 1994). Also, academic adjustment and transition processes have received abundant attention in the literature (Leask and Carroll, 2011; Ramsay et al, 1999; Zhou et al, 2008).…”

Investigating the role of social media during the transition of international students to the UK

“…In order to reduce the culture shock and facilitate the students' adjustment, Gbadamosi highlights the importance of social connections with family and friends. He also stressed the importance of social media in establishing and maintaining these connections [21]. Zhao has [3] argued that social media has played an important role in the experience of studying abroad for international students.…”