The Social Adjustment of International Students Attending McMaster University

304 Pages·2013·6.47 MB·English

by  Wolodymyr E. Krywulak

THE SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
THE SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ATTENDING McMASTER UNIVERSITY
THE SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ATTENDING McMASTER UNIVERSI1Y
By
WOLODYMYR EWHEN KRYWULAK, B.A., B.A. (HONS.), M.A.
A Thesis
Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
McMaster University
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (1995) McMASTER UNIVERSIlY
(Sociology) Hamilton, Ontario
TITLE: The Social Adjustment of International Students Attending McMaster
University
AUTHOR: Wolodymyr Ewhen Krywulak, B.A. (University of Manitoba)
B.A. (Hons.) (McMaster University)
M.A. (McMaster University)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. R.Jack Richardson
MEMBERS OF SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: Dr. Frank E.Jones
Dr. Roy Cain
NuMBER OF PAGES: 290
Xlll,
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the types of factors that facilitate and/or impede
the social adjustment of international students in a foreign culture. It is argued
that establishing effective communication with hosts forms a necessary basis for
successful sojourner adjustment. The findings indicate that establishing effective
cross-cultural communication and understanding facilitates the longer-term
adjustment of the sojourner and contributes positively to the intergroup
integrative process. It is further argued that social network involvement facilitates
successful sojourner adjustment. The findings indicate that international students
belong to two key social networks-the conational and host networks. Each type
of network performs different functions in relation to the adjustment process.
The primary function of the conational network is to provide a setting within
which cultural values may be rehearsed. It largely determines the living
arrangements, friendship patterns and organizational affiliations of the sojourners
involved. Whereas the conational network aids in initial adjustment, it hinders
longer-term adjustment when used as a vehicle for self-segregation rather than
as a beachhead from which to enter into meaningful social interaction with
members of the host society. The primary function of the host network is the
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instrumental facilitation of the professional and academic aspirations of the
sojourner. It is the primary medium through which students gain proficiency in
the host language and learn about the norms governing relations in the host
society. The meanings attributed to relationships in each of these networks are
found to be qualitatively different. Ties established with members comprising
the conational network are intimate and emotional, while those of the host
network are primarily instrumental in nature. Finally, an examination of the effects
of foreign study indicates that students consider themselves changed by the
sojourn experience, particularly in the areas of intellectual development, self
reliance, and self-confidence. Students also acquire a more realistic, in-depth
view of the host country and a deeper appreciation of home country. Foreign
study also helps to crystallize the return migration decision. The findings indicate
that two factors strongly influence whether the initial migration becomes a
permanent one. The possibility that skills and training acquired abroad will be
underutilized in respective home countries and uncongenial home country
political conditions are important factors in the expatriation decision.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my academic supervisor, Dr. R. Jack Richardson
for his helpful comments, support, and patience throughout the course of this
research. I would like to extend this gratitude to the other members of my
supervisory committee-Dr. Frank E.Jones and Dr. Roy Cain. In addition, I would
like to thank Mr. Patrick Fernando, the International Students' Advisor, for sharing
his expertise concerning the international student body at this educational
institution. Finally, I am especially grateful to my parents for their moral support,
advice, and financial assistance provided throughout my years of academic study.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL
UNDERPINNINGS 1
Introduction 2
Research Question(s) 2
The International Students'
Definition of the Situation 4
Dimensions of Social Networks 6
The Conational Network 9
The Host Network 11
Pre-departure Considerations 12
Summary 13
CHAPTER TWO: RESEARCH DESIGN AND SAMPLE
CHARACTERISTICS 16
Introduction 17
Entry into the Research Population 17
Subjects Involved in the Research 18
Loss of Subjects 20
Issues of Confidentiality 22
Interview Schedule Construction 23
The Interview Session 24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Implications of Sample Characteristics
for Social Network Relationships and
Sojourner Adjustment 25
Conclusion 31
CHAPTER THREE: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
AND SOJOURNER ADJUSTMENT 32
In traduction 33
Factors Impeding Intercultural
Communication 37
Cultural Differences 47
Stereotypes, Prejudice and
Discrimination 57
The Social Adjustment of
Married Couples 68
Conclusion 78
CHAPTER FOUR: THE SOCIAL NETWORK INVOLVEMENT
OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 81
Introduction 82
Nature and Quality of Social
Interaction With Hosts 83
The Symbolic Significance of
Interpersonal Ties 94
Types of Help Exchanged 104
Assymetry in Exchange Relations III
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Organizational Participation 115
Conclusion 125
CHAPTER FIVE: THE EFFECTS OF FOREIGN STUDY 128
Introduction 129
Personal Changes Occasioned
by the Sojourn 130
Changes in Views of Host and
Home Country 137
Factors Influencing the Return
Migration Decision 143
Post-return Adjustment Problems 152
Conclusion 156
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION 159
APPENDIX 1: A STATISTICAL PROFILE OF INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS ATTENDING McMASTER UNIVERSITY
1980-81 TO 1987-88 167
APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE 195
BmLIOGRAPHY 274
VIU