Acculturation of International Students in the United States The objective of this study is the examination of Saudi Arabian international students and their adjustment to the culture of the U.S.

According to the work of Razek and Coyner (2011) the number of students from Saudi Arabia that study in the U.S. "quintupled from 3,035 students in 2005 to 15,910 students I 2010 due to a fully funded Saudi government scholarship. As students originating in a cultural background differing from the prevailing principles of their higher education institutions, Saudi students face several challenges." (Razek and Coyner, 2011) The experiences of Saudi Arabian students in the U.S. can be differentiated by their "experience, religious and political factors." (Razek and Coyner, 2011, p.44)

Literature Review

Barriers faced by Saudi Arabian students include "linguistic barriers" and challenges related to transition to their foreign educational institution including challenges in locating accommodations and day-to-day life necessities and acquisition of academic skills and learning techniques as well as "familiarizing and engaging themselves with college social aspects." (Razek and Coyner, 2011, p.44) Important factors reported in the work of Kemp (2006) in easing the adjustment of international students and providing support so that students can realize optimal development nd experience positive learning outcomes...

Therefore, individuals from collectivist societies are expected to demonstrate high collectivistic behaviors that shape their conceptualization of the relationship with others both within their own group and outside of their group." (Razek and Coyner, 2011, p.44) This is reported to have an influence on the "understanding, feelings, and reactions" of Saudi students towards their existence in the U.S. The Saudi student's possession of an orientation that is not cohesive with societal values is reported as being such that represents the individual risk factor. IN fact, stated is that there are students from the collectivistic culture that are likely to be lacking in the area of requisite skills to make new friends outside of their group." (Razek and Coyner, 2011, p.44)
Saudi Arabia ranks high in the collectivistic category in the area of adherence to customs and traditions and their associated social values. Specifically reported is that the type of individual and differentials between their background and the society they live in can results in various influences on…