Bridging Worlds: Unveiling the challenges and coping mechanism

In cultural adaptation of immigrant students.

Group 4
Members:
Kimberly Maiquez
Ericka Gonzales
Keith Rubio
Reanne Rose Punzalan
King Ghiane Cepillio
Objectives

This study aims to:

• To identify the primary challenges faced by immigrant students during cultural adaptation in a new
educational environment.

• To know the effects of language difficulties on the general well-being and academic achievement of
immigrant students in the context of their cultural adaptation.

Introduction

Background of the Study

According to Frosso Motti-Stefandi & Ann S. Masten, Immigrant youth comprise a sizable and integral part of
contemporary societies. Their successful adaptation is a high-stakes issue for them, their families and for
society. In spite of the challenges they face, most of them adapt well in their new countries. However,
considerable diversity in their adaptation has been reported.
The subject of "Which young immigrants adapt well and why?" is explored in this chapter. In order to
answer this, we first offer a definition of positive immigrant youth adaption. Second, using a
resilience developmental framework that takes social psychological and acculturative factors into
account, we discuss the body of information currently available on the individual and group
variations in immigrant adolescent adaptability.
Third, we investigate whether the social barriers associated with immigrant status and their
adaptation put immigrant adolescents at risk. In conclusion, we examine personal and social resources
that support and/or safeguard healthy immigrant youth adaption. Finally, we contend that there are
important policy and practice ramifications when immigrant adolescent strengths and resilience are
prioritised over vulnerabilities and psychological symptoms.

Related Studies
According to Cultural Psychology Kinga Bierwiaczonek and Sven Waldzus that Living abroad requires
adaptation to the new culture, and adaptation outcomes are influenced by various socio-cultural factors.
The literature on expatriates is pragmatically oriented and centered on the work context, which
translates into a preference for variables that can be easily linked to expatriate work outcomes (socio-
cultural adaptation, work-related antecedents).
In contrast, the literature on migrants focuses on psychological outcomes of adaptation and tends to
understudy factors related to the overall efficacy of migrants’ functioning within the host society. The
literature on international students is the most eclectic and diverse, both conceptually and empirically,
but lacks a common direction.
 We discuss the differences between these three literature groups in detail and formulate several
recommendations for future research A preference for variables that are easily correlated with the job
outcomes of expatriates (such as socio-cultural adaptation and work-related antecedents) may be seen
in the pragmatically oriented and work-context-focused literature on expatriates. By contrast, research
on migrants tends to focus on the psychological effects of adaptation and understudies variables
associated with how well individuals operate generally in their new culture
Though it is the most conceptually and empirically varied, the literature on overseas students lacks
coherence. We present a thorough analysis of the distinctions among these three literature groups and
provide multiple suggestions for further investigation.
This article reviews studies on adaptation in various groups of cross-cultural travelers to identify the social and
cultural contextual antecedents that have been overlooked in each of the specialized research areas. Our review
reveals three distinct literature fields: on expatriates and their spouses, on international students, and on first
generation migrants.
Conceptual Framework
Input Process Output
1. The profile of the
respondents in terms of:
1.1 age
1.2 name
“Revealing the Understanding the
1.3 academic status Challenges and challenges they face
Strategy in Cultural and implementing
Adaptation of effective coping
Immigrant mechanisms,
Students.” educators,
2. What academic challenges administrators, and
do immigrant students face support systems can
during the cultural play a crucial role in
adaptation process, and how In this study we will
helping immigrant
do they address these interview some immigrant
students navigate the
challenges? students who are facing
complexities of
difficulty in adapting culture
cultural adaptation
and language.
and achieve

3. What coping mechanisms

do immigrant students
employ to overcome cultural
adaptation challenges in
their academic pursuits?

4. What advice is
given for creating a
more welcoming and
encouraging learning
environment, and
how does "Bridging
Worlds" clarify the
 Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to identify and understand the challenges faced by immigrant students in their new cultural and
educational environment. It will explore coping mechanisms used by these students, including individual,
family, and community-level strategies.

Specific Problem
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 age
1.2 name
1.3 academic status

2. What academic challenges do immigrant students face during the cultural adaptation process, and how do
they address these challenges?

3. What coping mechanisms do immigrant students employ to overcome cultural adaptation challenges in their
academic pursuits?

4. What advice is given for creating a more welcoming and encouraging learning environment, and how does
"Bridging Worlds" clarify the role that academic institutions play in assisting immigrant students in adjusting
to their new culture?

Significance of the Study

Immigrant Students
A more inclusive learning environment can be promoted by providing targeted support based on an
understanding of the particular challenges faced by these students.
 Participating in studies can help immigrant students to learn more about their own cultural identity
and how to navigate the cultural adaptation process. This can help them to feel more confident and
empowered in their new environment.
Participating in studies can help immigrant students to connect with other immigrant students who are
facing similar challenges. This can provide them with a sense of community and support.
The findings of studies on cultural adaptation can be used to advocate for policies and practices that
are more inclusive and supportive of immigrant students. This can help immigrant students to have a
more positive experience in their new country.

Teachers
By identifying successful teaching strategies for a range of student demographics, the study enables educators
to modify their methods to better suit the unique requirements of immigrant pupils.
The results can direct the creation of training curricula that give educators the tools they need to handle
linguistic and cultural diversity in the classroom.

Parents
Parents can shed light on the role of family dynamics and support systems in influencing the adaptation of
immigrant youth. They can describe how families provide support, address challenges, and contribute to their
children's cultural identity formation. And also Parents can share their cultural knowledge and perspectives,
helping researchers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which immigrant students operate.
This cultural understanding is crucial for interpreting behaviors, attitudes, and adaptation strategies. They can
provide valuable input on potential interventions and support strategies that may be effective in addressing the
needs of immigrant students. Their practical knowledge can inform the development of culturally sensitive and
family-centered support programs.

Target Participants
The target participants for our study on cultural adaptation of immigrant students can include both immigrant
students themselves and relevant stakeholders, such as teachers, parents, or counselors.
They have the personal experience of adapting to a new culture. They have faced the challenges of
the language barrier, cultural shock, and balancing their new culture with their old culture. They have
also developed coping mechanisms to help them succeed.
A few of the difficulties that immigrant students may have are language hurdles, adjusting to a new
culture, and figuring out new educational systems. Their academic experience can be greatly
improved by community involvement, language support, and supportive activities.