All students studying in a foreign country will face culture shock at some point during their stay. The students at the University of Southern Mississippi are no exception. A survey demonstrated that a language barrier and a poor public transportation system are among the main causes of culture shock among the international students at USM.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. International Students Contributions to U.S. Universities and the U.S. Economy
3. Culture Shock
4. The Timing of Culture Shock
5. The Symptoms of Culture Shock
6. Motivations for a cross-cultural education
7. Literature
8. Survey
8.1 Students emotions
8.2 Language Barrier
8.3 Relationships with other students
8.4 Students feelings about the USM campus
9. The relationship between taste and culture
10. Discussion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the challenges of cultural adjustment and culture shock faced by international students at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), specifically focusing on how everyday hurdles—such as food accessibility, transportation, and language barriers—impede their integration. The research aims to identify the primary causes of student dissatisfaction and investigate how these stressors correlate with the psychological phases of adjustment.
- The impact of culture shock on international student adjustment.
- The role of the U-curve theory in explaining the student experience.
- Barriers to integration including language difficulties and social isolation.
- Practical challenges of campus life: food options and lack of transportation.
- Institutional recommendations to support international student well-being.
Excerpt from the Book
Students feelings about the USM campus
When the students were asked in an additional set of questions whether anything about the USM campus bothered them after they first arrived in Hattiesburg, the majority of the answers were food-related. Twenty-two percent of the students said they do not like the food offered on campus. When asked to describe the food on campus, only six people said something positive about the food. The rest complained about high calories, little variety or that they do not like the taste.
An additional twenty-six percent answered that it bothered them that there was no real grocery store to which they could simply walk. An Indian student explained in the survey that he could not eat any of the food offered on campus and starved for three days until someone volunteered to bring him to a grocery store. Another student from India pointed out in an interview that even though some stores are close enough that she could walk in her foreign country, she is afraid to walk in the U.S. because there are no sidewalks. A western European student wrote in the survey, It is hard to walk anywhere, because there are no sidewalks. I always feel like I might get hit by a car."
An additional point that came up frequently in the survey was the problem of transportation. In addition to the participants who complained that there was no grocery store within walking distance, ten of the nineteen people who opted for the answer other said that the main thing that bothers them about USM is that they cannot leave campus without a car and that there was a lack of public transportation.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Defines international students and introduces the prevalence of culture shock and adjustment issues at USM.
International Students Contributions to U.S. Universities and the U.S. Economy: Discusses the significant economic and educational contributions international students provide to U.S. institutions.
Culture Shock: Explores the psychological disorientation caused by exposure to radically different cultural environments.
The Timing of Culture Shock: Examines the U-curve theory of adjustment and its application to international students.
The Symptoms of Culture Shock: Outlines various psychological and behavioral symptoms, including withdrawal and loss of self-esteem.
Motivations for a cross-cultural education: Investigates why students choose to study abroad despite the potential for culture shock.
Literature: Reviews existing academic publications regarding student adjustment and culture shock solutions.
Survey: Details the methodology and findings of a 2009 survey conducted among international students at USM.
The relationship between taste and culture: Analyzes the connection between food, identity, and the cultural construction of taste.
Discussion: Proposes institutional solutions, such as shuttle services, to help students overcome primary adjustment hurdles.
Keywords
International students, culture shock, cultural adjustment, U-curve theory, USM, social integration, language barrier, food accessibility, campus life, transportation, intercultural communication, psychological disorientation, student support, sojourners, cross-cultural education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying the specific causes of culture shock among international students at the University of Southern Mississippi and how these issues hinder their cultural adjustment.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the psychological process of cultural adaptation, the role of language barriers, social isolation, and the impact of daily practical challenges like food and transportation on student well-being.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to analyze the factors contributing to culture shock at USM and to suggest how the university can practically assist international students in their transition process.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review of cultural theories (such as the U-curve model) with an empirical survey of international students and supplemental in-depth interviews.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body covers theoretical foundations of culture shock, the economic contributions of international students, detailed analysis of survey data regarding emotions and language, and an exploration of the link between food and cultural identity.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The study is best described by terms such as culture shock, international student adjustment, USM, intercultural communication, and campus infrastructure.
How does the lack of a car impact international students at USM?
It creates a significant hurdle for students, as it limits their ability to access grocery stores, leading to food-related stress and feelings of isolation, as most campus food may not meet their specific cultural or nutritional needs.
Why is the "U-curve theory" relevant to the study?
The U-curve theory provides a framework for understanding the phases international students go through—from initial excitement to the low point of culture shock and eventual adjustment—helping to contextualize the participants' experiences.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2009, Culture Shock at the University of Southern Mississippi, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/131623
