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Our investigation explored year-long re-entry growth trajectories of global service learning returnees' international interests (a global learning outcome) and psychological well-being (a psychosocial outcome) as functions of both (a) pre-departure levels of the same variable and (b) subjectively and objectively assessed degree of cultural dislocation. Participants were 111 (87% female; 72% Caucasian) college students who participated in a short-term (13 to 62 d) global service learning immersion to one of 15 countries. International interests remained stable from pre-departure through 12 months re-entry and were best predicted by the pre-departure level of the same variable. Neither subjective nor objective cultural dislocation moderated the re-entry trajectory. The growth trajectory for psychological well-being was best explained by a cubic function. After re-entry, psychological well-being decreased, reaching its lowest point at approximately 4 months, and returned to baseline by 12. Subjectively reported sociocultural adaptation to the host country was a significant predictor to both the re-entry level of psychological well-being, the rate of decline, and the subsequent rate of return to baseline. Those who adapted more strongly to their host country experienced more psychological difficulty upon return and took longer to return to baseline. We recommend preparing students for the potential re-entry friction by adhering to known best practices for education abroad (i.e., providing ample pre-departure and re-entry programming and services). We suggest that pre-departure preparation include psychoeducation for stress and coping and we recommend framing the period of re- entry friction (contrasting reverse culture shock) as an invitation to personal growth and exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular, yet leaving home to live in a foreign country can be very stressful. We tested the idea that self-determined motivation to study abroad can prevent students from experiencing culture shock and support their subjective well-being, using a sample of 131 international students studying in the United States. After controlling for demographic variables, personality traits, length of stay in the United States, and external difficulties (e.g., language), self-determined study abroad motivation was associated with lower culture shock and greater contextual subjective well-being. Furthermore, basic psychological needs satisfaction fully mediated these relationships. The present study shows that international students’ motivation influences their acculturation, by helping them to meet their own needs in the new context. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as study limitations, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study extends previous research by examining the role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in both culture shock and reverse culture shock. Specifically, this study asserts that CQ acts as a moderating mechanism that lessens the negative effects of both culture shock and reverse culture shock on psychological and sociocultural adaptation among international students. Two studies were conducted in Australia to test these assertions. Study 1 (n = 189) was participated in by new international students. An online survey was set up and disseminated. Results indicated that culture shock is significantly but negatively related to both psychological and sociocultural adaptation. In addition, results demonstrated that CQ moderates the relationship by lessening the impact of culture shock on students’ psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Study 2 (n = 123) was participated in by international students who had recently graduated and returned to their home countries. An online survey was also set up and disseminated. Results indicated that reverse culture shock is significantly but negatively related to both psychological and sociocultural adaptation. CQ also served as a moderator in lessening the impact of reverse culture shock on both forms of adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As researchers strive to identify the components of effective preparation for study abroad, it is also critical to investigate the beliefs and expectations about intercultural adjustment that students bring to these interventions. A questionnaire assessed the structure and correlates of 149 U.S. undergraduate students’ lay theories of culture shock. Findings indicated that students tended to attribute culture shock to differences in the external environment, such as language, communication, and surroundings, rather than to internal affective or cognitive factors, such as poor stress management, identity confusion, or prejudice. The tendency to attribute culture shock to internal causes was greater for those with higher levels of cultural competence, whereas low travel experience and interest in foreign language learning predicted the tendency to attribute culture shock to external causes. These results are discussed in terms of implications for sojourner adjustment and intercultural training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Selected studies of identity, integration and adaptation are presented to address questions about the process and measurement of acculturation. [•] The significance of cultural context for the relationship between integration and adaptation is highlighted. [•] Recommendations are made for future research to shape the development of acculturation theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three studies investigated the effects of British majority members’ perceptions of minority members’ acculturation preferences and perceived identity threat on their support for multiculturalism. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) a perception that minority members want to maintain their original culture will negatively affect support for multiculturalism; (2) a perception that minority members want to adopt the British culture will positively affect support for multiculturalism; and (3) a perception that minority members desire contact with British people will positively affect support for multiculturalism. All three effects were predicted to be mediated by identity threat. Studies 1 and 2 focussed on Pakistanis as a target group, and study 3 focussed on ethnic minority members more generally. All studies yielded evidence in support of the hypotheses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This purpose of the present study was to explore the role of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its effect on performance of foreign laborers. We also examined the mediating effect of culture shock on the relationship between CQ and performance. Data were collected from Philippine laborers working in Taiwan. A paper-based survey, with a return rate of 76.4%, was completed by 382 Philippine laborers working in Taiwan''s manufacturing industries. The results showed that CQ was positively related to the performance of Philippine laborers and negatively related to culture shock. In addition, we found that culture shock partly mediated the relationship of CQ and performance. These findings suggested that CQ can serve as a predictor for cross-cultural effectiveness. Implications for practice and direction for future research are offered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper empirically examines communication self-efficacy as a possible profound payoff of sojourning. A review of relevant literature explores the interrelationships of communication, sojourning, and personal growth. Questionnaire data from an international sample of 212 Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) alumni are used to test hypotheses about the sojourn and perceived changes in communication self-efficacy. Data analysis revealed that 95.5% of the sample retrospectively reported a perceived increase in self-efficacy. In addition, positive correlations were found between self-reported challenge of sojourn and reported perceived change in self-efficacy, and between self-reported success of sojourn and perceived communication self-efficacy scores. Discussion addresses these findings as well as study limitations, possible future research directions, and implications for practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, Matsumoto et al. (Int. J. Intercultural Relations (2001) 1) reported the development of a new scale that can measure intercultural adjustment potential (the ICAPS). This article reports six studies that provide further evidence for the reliability and validity of the ICAPS to do so. Although originally developed for use with Japanese sojourners and immigrants, we report data that extend those findings to samples in other cultures as well. Similarities in the findings across cultural samples suggest the existence of a pancultural core of psychological constructs that may be necessary for intercultural adjustment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is rare to find studies that focus on the multiple reacculturation of travelers who regularly alternate residences between their homeland and a host foreign country. These travelers are best described as intercultural transients. It is difficult to exactly say how many transients exist today because of the lack of accurate data. What is clear, however, is that the number is increasing because of improved global transportation and the large economic gaps between nations (World Telecommunications Development Report, Author, 1994). In an effort to extend general knowledge as well as consequences of intercultural adjustment, this conceptual-theoretic study facilitates understanding of the complex experience of these individuals who live on cultural borders negotiating both frequent cultural transitions and their cultural identities (Cultural Studies, Routledge, New York, 1992, pp. 96–116; Communication and Identity Across Cultures, Sage, Newbury Park, CA, 1998, pp. 34–55).Within this essay, first, we review the acculturation and reacculturation literature within the discipline of communication and note what is missing in this literature. Then, we present a new concept called “cyclical curves” to explain multiple reentry. Additionally, we offer one example of a typical intercultural transient''s experience followed by a proposed taxonomy of intercultural transients. Also, we review several theoretical notions that help us understand the process of identity negotiation experienced by intercultural transients, while identifying coping strategies that may facilitate identity negotiation. Finally, we re-introduce a theory that has only recently emerged in intercultural communication studies—cultural contracts theory (African American Communication: Exploring Identity and Culture, 2nd Edition, Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ, 2002; Communities, Creations, and Contradictions: New Approaches to Rhetoric for the Twenty-first Century, Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI, in press-a; Commun. Quarterly, 50(4) (2002); Howard J. Commun. 12(4) (2002) 43–57; J. Rural Commun. Psychol. E4(1). [Online Journal]. http://www.marshall.edu/JRCP/)—to conceptually frame the ontological nature and problems confronted by transients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although the number of Japanese children raised overseas has been increasing and many steps have been taken to ease reentry for them, the consequences of these efforts are not clear. Japanese parents who sojourn abroad with their children are still left to a trial and error approach when it comes to their children''s education and socialization. This study examined what factors predict the various social and psychological outcomes of the “returnee experience.” Based on previous work, 27 dependent variables were employed to assess the types of social and psychological consequences experienced by returnees; they were reduced to nine factors by factor analysis. Also, 31 variables that previous literature suggested influenced these experiences were measured; factor analysis reduced them to 10 factors. A backward multiple regression was then conducted on each of the nine dependent factors. Results showed that communication with parents, recency of return and special provisions were key to capturing positive outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]