Measurement of Cultural Intelligence and Its Impact on Psychological Adaptation of International Students in India

Abstract

In recent years, India has emerged as a host to several students from various countries. It tenders cheap and affordable education to the globe. Post liberalization, economic boost to the Indian economy was attained due to educational tourism also. The major facade here is the adaptation of the international students to the Indian environment. One of the major aspects which positively contributes towards cultural adaptation among these sojourners is cultural intelligence. Researchers argued that the concept of cultural intelligence is significant for international students who are short term visitors in a foreign country. It is important for them to develop cultural intelligence competency, that is, metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioural cultural intelligence as these capabilities lead to their cultural adaptation. In this context, the present study has been conducted with an aim to understand the relationship between the different facets of cultural intelligence and psychological adaptation of international students. The present study has also analysed the level of cultural intelligence and psychological adaptation among international students to understand the components of these dimensions which are less developed among international students. Data has been analysed using various statistical techniques, that is, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), mean and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of the study have depicted a lower level of cultural intelligence among international students in India. Authors have concluded that behavioural cultural intelligence has shown a direct and positive relationship on the psychological adaptability of international students. These results, therefore, have practical implications for educational institutes and policymakers as it will help in drafting a policy framework for Indian higher educational institutes (HEIs).