Browsing by Subject "paths"

The aim of the study was to analyze international students' typical paths to acculturate into the student community by using the research question: What kind of paths international students use to acculturate into the student community in Oklahoma State University and in the University of Helsinki? The study is current, because of the continuing increase of students' mobility and importance of students' acculturation into a new culture and student community in order to feel comfortable in a new university. Earlier studies have proven that students' sociocultural adjustment will foster psychological adjustment in a new environment. The research data was collected by interviewing international students from the University of Helsinki and Oklahoma State University. The interviewees were 13 students from Europe, Asia, Africa and South- America. The data has been analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. Based on the analysis, the results have been divided into nine categories: prior arrival, orientation, housing, social gatherings, behavior patterns, class, language, social support and failed tries to adapt. Students focused on using assimilation and integration as acculturation strategies, based on Berry's four-fold model of acculturation. Students, who were planning to stay in the host country after graduation, tried to acculturate by learning for example Finnish language skills. They were also motivated to meet both international and local people. With time, students have started to create more friendships with local students alongside with other international students. Successful paths to acculturate had little different emphasis between these two universities. Biggest difference is on the path of social gatherings; students from Oklahoma State University met many new students through sports, and students from the University of Helsinki felt that parties were one of easiest places to meet new people.