Cultural shock among international university students

Mgr. Marriam Butt

Diplomová práce

Anotace:

This research study investigates the culture shock experienced by international students from Asian countries enrolled at Masaryk University in Brno. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) to examine how culture shock affects the academic and social lives of these students during their stay in Brno, and (b) to explore the coping strategies they employ to navigate cultural adaptation. A qualitative research approach is adopted, with data collected through in-depth interviews with Asian international students studying in Brno. The study focuses on three key aspects: (a) the role of social networks within cultural learning theories, (b) the development of social skills within the social coping theoretical framework, and (c) inter-group connectedness as part of the social identification and identity theoretical perspective.

Abstract:

This research study investigates the culture shock experienced by international students from Asian countries enrolled at Masaryk University in Brno. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) to examine how culture shock affects the academic and social lives of these students during their stay in Brno, and (b) to explore the coping strategies they employ to navigate cultural adaptation. A qualitative research approach is adopted, with data collected through in-depth interviews with Asian international students studying in Brno. The study focuses on three key aspects: (a) the role of social networks within cultural learning theories, (b) the development of social skills within the social coping theoretical framework, and (c) inter-group connectedness as part of the social identification and identity theoretical perspective.

Keywords

Culture shock, International students, study abroad, integration, alienation, host culture

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 7. 5. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 28. 5. 2025
• Vedoucí: M.A. Beatrice Elena Chromková Manea, Ph.D.
• Oponent: doc. PhDr. Ing. Radim Marada, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Sociology / Sociology