A Preliminary Understanding on Intercultural Adaptation among African Students in Malaysia: A Groundwork Study

Abstract

This paper explores the depth of intercultural adaptation among African students in Malaysia. To serve the objective, it investigates the pattern of friendships and other social interactions of African students who study in Klang Valley. A face-to-face, structured questionnaire survey was conducted in an effort to understand how they adapt to the intercultural elements of the host country, namely the quality of contact, friendship patterns, social support networks and perceptions of the African students on the larger community. Since it involves a convenient sampling design, the analysis only concerned on descriptive representations. This study provide an understanding on inter- cultural issues such as prejudice, discrimination and tolerance experienced by non-Malaysians, particularly the Africans, who live in Malaysia. In the end, this paper indicates that the presence of ddiscrimination in any inter-cultural relations may be minimised if efforts of internalisation is practised. Intercultural adjustment by improving social relations between local and international students may set a good example for a positive vibe. As such, social policies concerning intercultural adaptation at higher education centres must be implemented for a better social interaction among local and international students in Malaysia.