A Qualitative Exploration of Acculturation Practices of Pakistani Scholars in Dutch Society

Abstract

The psychosocial adaptation of international scholars is a growing area of inquiry in social sciences. Currently, almost 47,164 Pakistani international scholars are enrolled in various universities worldwide but there is a dearth of literature concerning their psychosocial adjustment. This qualitative inquiry focuses on Pakistani graduate and postgraduate international scholars’ insights concerning their adaptation practices in Dutch culture and society. The study is grounded in a sociocultural adaptation model. The primary data was collected through in-depth interviews with ten Pakistani international students who are currently registered in three Dutch universities. The seven central themes that emerged out of in-depth interviews were the perception of cultural disparity, linguistic challenges, limited interaction with host nationals, discrimination, difficulties practicing religious obligations, acculturation attitudes, and participants’ coping strategies applied during the adjustment process. The findings of the current study highlight both barriers and protective factors within the scope of theoretical assumptions and literature. The current study contributes to the gap in the available literature concerning Pakistani international scholars’ experiences. A limited number of studies have discussed acculturation practices of Muslim students and from a specific region. The present findings would be useful for Pakistani international scholars who intend to study abroad and the administration of the host universities receiving Pakistani international scholars to facilitate their adjustment to the new context.

Cultural and Social Capital in the Adaptation of Indonesian Students in the United States

“…Researchers enhance research novelty by utilizing the latest scientific advancements. The concept of cultural adaptation has been widely explored in various scientific fields, as demonstrated by Bashir et al (2021), Beaven and Spencer-Oatey (2016), Brown et al (2016), V. Chirkov et al (2007), Di Pietro (2015), King and Sondhi (2018), Le Huu Nghia (2019), Nilsson and Stålnacke (2019), Peng et al (2015), and Yang et al (2018). Their research indicates that students who study independently exhibit high adaptability.…”

Internationalization of Higher Education and Its Influence on the Educational Development in Pakistan

“…This rise is unmistakably evidence of the rising popularity of getting an overseas education. International students' benefits to both the home and host nations are one of the factors contributing to this rise (Bashir et al, 2019). According to Bashir et al (2021), there are 47164 Pakistani international students worldwide, which, according to Bashir and Khalid (2022), are more than 50,000 in the Western world.…”

“…International students' benefits to both the home and host nations are one of the factors contributing to this rise (Bashir et al, 2019). According to Bashir et al (2021), there are 47164 Pakistani international students worldwide, which, according to Bashir and Khalid (2022), are more than 50,000 in the Western world. International students currently make up 5.6% of the total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in OCED (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations, namely Australia, Canada, and Norway.…”

“…International students currently make up 5.6% of the total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in OCED (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations, namely Australia, Canada, and Norway. With the support of the Pakistani Higher Education Commission, the trend of scholars leaving Pakistan for higher education in other nations has become more significant (Bashir et al, 2021). The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan offered funds to deserving Pakistani academics to pursue studies abroad in line with the growing trend of internationalization in higher education (Bashir & Khalid, 2022).…”