EXPLORING ACCULTURATIVE STRESS IN PURSUING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA

Abstract

A growing number of international students’ in Malaysia’s private education institution caused concern on how they adapt to the new environment at this young age. This indicates the stress of acculturation and how participants developed and engaged in a better understanding of the new culture. For this study, the sample will be obtained by utilizing the Foundation in Arts international students at one of Malaysia's private universities. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews where ten foundation international students were chosen by using random sampling. Been enlightened by the issues of culture shock or drop-out from universities due to acculturative stress problems, this study is conducted to fill in the loops so that it will figure out problems as well as providing solutions for the international students. This paper expecting themes such as language barriers, cultural barriers and perceived discrimination are among the problems that caused them to face this problem.