Social Adjustment For International Students

International students face a variety of adjustments while studying in the United States. Researchers have provided an understanding of the kinds of adjustments international students have while adapting to university life, and one of the most discussed adjustments international student face is with social adjustment. Social adjustment is an effort made by an individual to cope with standards, values and needs of a society to be accepted. It can be defined as a psychological process. In this matter, social adjustment can either be a positive or negative experience for international students. Academic achievement and social adaption among international students stated “that students who have frequent contact with fellow students from their home …show more content…
At this stage, the trip or move seems like the greatest decision ever made by the student. In fact, some student might find that things are better in the U.S. than back home. This stage is considered the exploratory stage, and researchers named this phrase the Honeymooned stage. However, later effects of cultural shock may take over the entire experience of excitement, but in the Honeymoon phase students will feel able to handle anything. During the second stage, the novelty of the new culture begins to wear off and reality sets in. Students are now focusing on the differences between the new cultural and their home cultural. Like, for instance, how America values are set at high standards and beliefs whereas, another country values may differ and no longer be valid in the U.S... Most student will become irritated and frustrated throughout the second stage in probably become homesick. Also, the student self-esteem and self-confidence might suddenly drop. Researchers have identified this stage as a cultural shock of irritation and hostility. Cultural Shock is defined as a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one. During the next stage, most students decides to make the best out of their new experience. By doing so, most student will become more familiar with the new …show more content…
However, most student who adjust to a new cultural will experience some type of cultural intelligence than those who don’t. To understanding this concept pertaining to cultural intelligence and adjustment universities must understand the difference between cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence. First, what is Cultural Intelligence? Cultural intelligence is the ability of a person to interact, relate, adapt, and work effectively across cultures. Not saying that all cultural intelligent students will adapt successfully while studying abroad. In fact, international students who have a high intelligence quotient (IQ) may still struggle while adjusting to a new cultural. The concept of emotional intelligence is related to cultural intelligence. Both concepts are an ability to adapt successfully to a new cultural. Like, for instance, emotional intelligence students who can recognize, evaluate, manage ones’ emotions, and interact with others will most likely be successful while studying abroad. An emotionally intelligent student can sort out individual or group behavior and can adjust his or her behavior accordingly. These students may also understand human nature and understand individual differences. The article “Using your Cultural Intelligence in a Global Workplace” stated “international students who are emotionally intelligent are more likely