SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION OF STUDENTS IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE ENVIRONMENT: CROSS-CULTURAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This research provides a general understanding of the factors influencing international students' adaptation experience by focusing on the challenges and problems they face during their matriculation. The study's objective was to compare the peculiarities of adaptation of students' groups of different countries in a foreign language culture through a particular set of characteristics and factors. Methodology: We conducted the study at the SPbPU of St. Petersburg (Russia) and Alcala University (Spain). The sample included three groups of respondents belonging to different cultures. A block questionnaire of six scales and questionnaires used. To process and analyze the data obtained, preferences were given to descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, Tukey and Mann-Whitney tests, factor analysis in different formats. The data were processed using SPSS Statistics 25, R-studio, and Python. Main Findings: At the descriptive statistics level, groups with different degrees of adaptation have identified. Specific stable components’ combinations have found to predict possible responses from adapting students. Various forms of correlation and factor analysis helped to identify the most influential determinants: anxiety factor, culture shock, and sustainability. Applications of this study: The results of this study can be used to optimize the work of the relevant departments of higher education institutions, international departments. The information may be of interest to teachers and students. We recommend the material for professional development courses. Novelty of this study: Some characteristics were found to be bimodal for the respondents. The work examined the leading factors' content and structure to some extent related to the adaptation process. The relative steadiness of these factors' components in different cultures suggests a stable set of characteristics specific to different cultures at a certain age.