ERIC Number: EJ1291677
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2158-2440
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Qualitative Analysis of Academic and Cultural Adjustment: American Students in Thailand, What Can Be Done for Them?
Rybo-LoPresti, Blue; Rhein, Douglas
SAGE Open, v11 n1 Jan-Mar 2021
Historically, academic inquiry regarding student mobility was conceptualized within an East-to-West paradigm. However, the number of Americans studying in Thailand increases annually. The United States and Thailand differ in terms of academic culture and sociocultural norms. As such, the visiting American students encounter a variety of academic and cultural adjustment issues. This qualitative study focuses on identifying and examining various cultural adjustment barriers that American students face when studying at a Thai university. The aim of this article is to identify the major cultural adjustment issues. Face-to-face in-depth interviews with 22 Americans were audio recorded and thematically analyzed. This case study of participants at a major international college in Thailand identified five primary themes: (a) The "Farang" Bubble, (b) Language Barriers, (c) Traveling Within the Region, (d) University Life, and (e) Local Transportation. Specific recommendations regarding how universities and study abroad companies can provide better services to facilitate cultural adjustment and overall student experience as well as which additional services are needed are addressed.
Descriptors: Student Adjustment, Acculturation, Cultural Differences, College Students, Foreign Students, Student Attitudes, Study Abroad, Young Adults, North Americans, Barriers, Thai, Language Proficiency, College Housing, Transportation, Travel, Life Style, Friendship, Social Integration, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Thailand (Bangkok)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A