1
Acculturative Stress and Educational Success Discussion
Author’s Name
Department/University
Course number
Course name
Instructor’s Name
, 2
Acculturative Stress and Educational Success Discussion
For international students, navigating the intricacies of a new cultural setting can be an
overwhelming undertaking. They frequently experience a major source of stress known as
acculturative stress as they work to adjust to the language, traditions, and educational systems of
their new nation. Culturally diverse societies in the US and outside have already acknowledged
the need to include cultural perspectives in their education, claims Bredström (2019).
International students' academic performance may suffer as a result of the psychological effects
of cultural adaptation, but these effects can be reduced with the correct support networks.
Acculturative stress includes a variety of elements that can hinder a foreign student's
capacity to succeed academically (Shiraev and Levy, 2016). The language barrier is one of the
main challenges. Their ability to comprehend course topics, participate in class discussions, and
build meaningful social connections can all be hampered by their inability to communicate
effectively in a non-native language (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). Academic performance may be
harmed by the irritation, worry, and low self-confidence that can result from this language-based
stress.
As they adjust to a new cultural environment, overseas students frequently feel socially
isolated and lonely in addition to the language barrier (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). Prioritizing their
education can be difficult if they don't have a strong support system, which can have a
detrimental effect on their motivation and mental health. This acculturative stress can be
exacerbated by conflicts between the ideals of their home culture and the prevailing culture of
the host nation, which can lead to internal conflict and pressure to fit in, taking focus and energy
away from academic endeavors (Shiraev & Levy, 2016).
, 3
It is commonly known that acculturative stress has a negative impact on international
students' academic performance. Higher levels of acculturative stress were linked to worse
academic achievement and higher levels of anxiety and depression in international students,
according to a study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (Lee et al., 2020).
Language barriers and social isolation were shown to be major contributing factors in a review of
the literature on the mental health of international students, which also revealed the substantial
impact of acculturative stress on academic performance (Prieto-Welch, 2016).
Institutions should put in place extensive support mechanisms to lessen the detrimental
effects of acculturative stress on the academic performance of overseas students. In order to help
students overcome the language barrier and get the abilities they need to thrive academically,
Shiraev and Levy (2016) stress the significance of offering language and academic skills support,
such as English language lessons, tutoring, and writing aid.
It's also critical to cultivate a friendly, inclusive campus culture that values diversity and
promotes cross-cultural interaction (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). To assist overseas students in
forming relationships and feeling a part of the larger campus community, this may entail setting
up social gatherings, student organizations, and mentorship programs.
Additionally, providing mental health resources like support groups and counseling can
assist overseas students deal with the psychological difficulties of acculturation by addressing
problems like culture shock, despair, and anxiety (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). It is also possible to
guarantee that international students receive the support and understanding they require from the
larger campus community by educating teachers and staff about the special needs and
experiences of these students and teaching them how to deal with them in a culturally competent
and sensitive manner.
Acculturative Stress and Educational Success Discussion
Author’s Name
Department/University
Course number
Course name
Instructor’s Name
, 2
Acculturative Stress and Educational Success Discussion
For international students, navigating the intricacies of a new cultural setting can be an
overwhelming undertaking. They frequently experience a major source of stress known as
acculturative stress as they work to adjust to the language, traditions, and educational systems of
their new nation. Culturally diverse societies in the US and outside have already acknowledged
the need to include cultural perspectives in their education, claims Bredström (2019).
International students' academic performance may suffer as a result of the psychological effects
of cultural adaptation, but these effects can be reduced with the correct support networks.
Acculturative stress includes a variety of elements that can hinder a foreign student's
capacity to succeed academically (Shiraev and Levy, 2016). The language barrier is one of the
main challenges. Their ability to comprehend course topics, participate in class discussions, and
build meaningful social connections can all be hampered by their inability to communicate
effectively in a non-native language (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). Academic performance may be
harmed by the irritation, worry, and low self-confidence that can result from this language-based
stress.
As they adjust to a new cultural environment, overseas students frequently feel socially
isolated and lonely in addition to the language barrier (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). Prioritizing their
education can be difficult if they don't have a strong support system, which can have a
detrimental effect on their motivation and mental health. This acculturative stress can be
exacerbated by conflicts between the ideals of their home culture and the prevailing culture of
the host nation, which can lead to internal conflict and pressure to fit in, taking focus and energy
away from academic endeavors (Shiraev & Levy, 2016).
, 3
It is commonly known that acculturative stress has a negative impact on international
students' academic performance. Higher levels of acculturative stress were linked to worse
academic achievement and higher levels of anxiety and depression in international students,
according to a study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (Lee et al., 2020).
Language barriers and social isolation were shown to be major contributing factors in a review of
the literature on the mental health of international students, which also revealed the substantial
impact of acculturative stress on academic performance (Prieto-Welch, 2016).
Institutions should put in place extensive support mechanisms to lessen the detrimental
effects of acculturative stress on the academic performance of overseas students. In order to help
students overcome the language barrier and get the abilities they need to thrive academically,
Shiraev and Levy (2016) stress the significance of offering language and academic skills support,
such as English language lessons, tutoring, and writing aid.
It's also critical to cultivate a friendly, inclusive campus culture that values diversity and
promotes cross-cultural interaction (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). To assist overseas students in
forming relationships and feeling a part of the larger campus community, this may entail setting
up social gatherings, student organizations, and mentorship programs.
Additionally, providing mental health resources like support groups and counseling can
assist overseas students deal with the psychological difficulties of acculturation by addressing
problems like culture shock, despair, and anxiety (Shiraev & Levy, 2016). It is also possible to
guarantee that international students receive the support and understanding they require from the
larger campus community by educating teachers and staff about the special needs and
experiences of these students and teaching them how to deal with them in a culturally competent
and sensitive manner.
