Having the First-Year as Overseas Students: Intercultural Communication as Identity Negotiation of Indonesian Ph.D. Muslim Women Students in the United States

Abstract

This study examined the first-year intercultural communication experiences of Indonesian Ph.D. Muslim women students in the United States as their identity negotiation. The following questions were addressed using Ting Toomey’s intercultural communication theory: What problems do Indonesian Ph.D. Muslim women students face in their new environment in the United States? How do they use intercultural communication as an adaptive strategy? And, to what extent can this intercultural communication skill affect their academic achievement as international students? Using an ethnographic approach, data were obtained through online observations and interviews via WhatsApp and Skype video calls with 11 Indonesian Ph.D. Muslim women students regarding their first-year experiences in the United States. According to the findings of this study, their ability in intercultural communication in their first year becomes the primary capital for their lives during their stay to complete their study. Their experience has turned into knowledge, motivation, and skills that turn out to be beneficial in facing challenges.