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Cultural Adaptation Experiences of International Faculty in an American University
Dissertation   Open access

Cultural Adaptation Experiences of International Faculty in an American University

David Benefo
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2023

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Abstract

The number of international faculty in American higher educational institutions has increased over the last 4 decades because their experience, knowledge, and cultural background help promote the globalization and internationalization agenda of American universities. However, International faculty face adaptation challenges, such as job satisfaction, language barrier, employment visa, and tenure and promotion, that militate against their career and professional goals. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological study was to explore the cultural adaptation experiences of international faculty in a regional comprehensive university in the Southeastern United States. Kim’s (1988) theory of cross-cultural adaptation and constructs of individual predisposition, communication factors, host environment, and intercultural transformation served as the study’s theoretical framework. Focusing on the critical role of communication, the theory emphasizes that strangers who cross subcultural and societal boundaries face adaptation pressures from their respective new environments. The study adopted criterion-based purposeful sampling and snowball sampling methods to recruit and interview seven Asian and African faculty. The findings revealed that international faculty face culture shock, English language proficiency is crucial to adaptation, collaboration and mentorship pave the way for successful adaptation, and a hostile working environment impedes the adaptation processes. The study concludes that time is essential to the successful cultural adaptation of international faculty. The study provides adaptable policies and strategies to improve international faculty's experiences with adaptation and adjustment. Future research can explore international students’ and administrators’ cultural adaptation experiences to broaden the research scope of international cultural adaptation in American institutions.
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