Korean Students’ Acculturation Experiences in the U.S.

Abstract

This chapter aims to explore the adjustment experiences of Korean undergraduates at an American university and to look at how the negotiation between homeland culture and host culture influences adjustment experiences. By challenging ideas of one-sided assimilation that assume international students simply accept the language, cultural norms, and practices of their host country, this chapter is grounded in the theoretical perspective that students and institutions interact with one another and therefore influence each other in a variety of ways. This chapter suggests that possessing a sense of self in cultural, social, and historical contexts and negotiating a positive sense of self in the host culture are critical aspects of Korean students’ adjustment experiences when studying abroad. Korean students often struggle to navigate the academic systems of their host university, and these experiences are intensified by their perceptions of “not belonging” to the institution. Therefore, additional attention should be paid to providing adequate support services and programming to promote these students’ acculturation experiences and college success.