Beyond Western Paradigms: Enhancing the Cross-Cultural Adaptation Model for Malaysia’s Multicultural Society
Abstract
International student mobility has emerged as a key feature of contemporary higher education, resulting in complex intercultural dynamics to universities worldwide. However, most existing intercultural communication frameworks currently in use are Western-centric and often fail to capture the institutional structures, religious norms, and experiences of students found in many Asian societies. Therefore, this study examines the applicability of Kim’s Cross-Cultural Adaptation Model within Malaysia’s multicultural and multireligious higher education environment, where collectivist orientations, religious norms, and institutional structures shape both students’ adaptation and staff support practices. The main objective is to explore the intercultural experiences, particularly on academic, social, and cultural adjustment processes, among international postgraduate students and academic staff across four Malaysian research universities to assess the relevance of Kim’s model. Using qualitative research, data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving 12 international postgraduate students and 12 academic staff members. Thematic analysis revealed seven additional adaptation factors that extend the model: Work Factor, Personal Factor, Academic Adaptation, Psychological Adaptation, Social Adaptation, Physical Adaptation, and Cultural Adaptation. These dimensions highlight localized challenges related to institutional practices, communication, cultural familiarity, and psychological well-being. The Institutional Factor emphasizes teaching approaches, support systems, and relational engagement, while Cultural Adaptation addresses lifestyle, values, and leisure strategies. Rather than replacing Kim’s framework, this study proposes a contextual refinement that strengthens its explanatory power for understanding intercultural adjustment in Malaysia and other culturally complex societies.
Keywords: Intercultural adaptation model, cultural adaptation, international students, student experience, intercultural communication.
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