Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2010

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

Sociology and Rural Studies

Abstract

This study explored the role of international students' perception of their home country and host country, as well as social networks, in their decision to come to the U.S. for education. This study also examined the sociocultural adaptation of international students from a cultural and social skills learning perspective. An online survey of two hundred and seventeen students, studying at four different upper-Midwest universities, participated in this cross-sectional study. Quality of education, reputation of the university, funding opportunities, and access to jobs attracted international students to the United States. Similarly, lack of research opportunities, demand for a U.S. degree in the home country job market, limited access to quality education, and a lack of employment opportunities in the country of origin influenced international students' decision to leave their country and to come to the U.S. for higher education. Social networks were also important in international students' decisions to come to the United States. The survey was based on a modification of Ward and Kennedy's (1999) instrument on sociocultural adaptation. Results showed that while language proficiency, cultural similarity, intergroup attitudes, social interaction and strength of friendship ties with host national friends, and length of stay was positively related to sociocultural adaptation, financial insecurity was negatively related to sociocultural adaptation.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Students, Foreign -- Education (Higher) -- United States

Students, Foreign -- Social networks -- United States

Students, Foreign -- United States -- Attitudes

Adjustment (Psychology)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

293

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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