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According to acculturation theory, acculturation orientations are determined by the interactive strength of two individual dimensions, namely (i) a desire to maintain one's own culture, and (ii) a desire to acculturate to popular culture, with combinations of these processes classified as assimilation, separation, marginalisation or integration. What is absent from the predictions of acculturation theory (which are premised on the individual level), as well as the literature, however, is a consideration of individual-level differences which are not theoretically ascribed to cultural influences, but which derive from the individual, such as those predicted by personality theory.Using a sample of 251 economics students in the context of a large South African university, we use logistic regression analysis to test theory predicting the likelihood that students fall into each of Berry's four acculturation orientations, while also testing personality dimensions as explanatory factors. We find neuroticism and age are to be negative and significant predictors of the likelihood to fall into the separation explanatory category. Women and those older than their cohorts are found to be more likely to fall into the marginalisation category. Agreeableness is negatively associated with marginalisation. We discuss the implications of these findings and derive recommendations for university management in order to improve acculturation of students in this context.

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