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Despite recent globalization and a growing demand for international students, the number of students from Korea at American universities has actually decreased over the last decade, while their dropout rate is significantly higher than that of other ethnic groups. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study was to explore what these students experience while studying in the United States, identify the sources of their challenges, and investigate the types of support conducive to success in their academic pursuits and social lives. This study was grounded in the naturalistic paradigm and phenomenological approach to understand their challenges and adjustments. Participants were recruited from California and Oregon. The selection of sample participants--five current students and five graduates from Korea--was done purposefully to allow for a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. To collect data, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, or written surveys were utilized, depending on the participants' preferences. The results of the study revealed evidence of Korean international students' experiences with culture shock in regards to cultural, academic, and personal aspects. Influential factors included previous knowledge/experience, language, interpersonal relations, cultural adaptation, and motivation. Types of support available included faculty, classmates, student services, roommates, friends, and churches. To increase the generalizability of the study, the researcher recommended that further studies use a mixed method and involve more diverse backgrounds and perspectives (i.e., equal gender ratio, more states, students who failed or returned to Korea, and American faculty, staff, and students). In addition, a longitudinal study may increase the quality of data and render the study more reliable. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]