Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Overall Satisfaction of International Students in North Indian Higher Education Institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57159/jcmm.4.5.25225Keywords:
Academic Adaptation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Cultural Identity Maintenance, Higher Education Institutions, International Student Satisfaction, Language Proficiency, Psychological Adaptation, Sociocultural AdaptationAbstract
This study investigates the influence of five dimensions of cross-cultural adaptation—psychological adaptation, academic adaptation, sociocultural adaptation, cultural identity maintenance, and language proficiency—on the overall satisfaction of international students enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs) in North India. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, using purposive sampling to collect data from 411 international students representing diverse nationalities. A pilot test with 66 participants confirmed the reliability and clarity of the questionnaire items. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings reveal that four dimensions—psychological, sociocultural, language, and cultural identity maintenance—significantly predict overall satisfaction, whereas academic adaptation shows no significant effect. Among all predictors, cultural identity maintenance exerts the strongest influence, indicating that students who successfully preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to a host environment experience higher satisfaction. The results underscore the importance of emotional stability, social integration, and cultural preservation in shaping the well-being of international students. The study contributes to acculturation and intercultural adaptation theory by emphasizing the multidimensional nature of adaptation and provides practical implications for policy frameworks that foster inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environments.
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