Cultural adaptation challenges, academic stress, and social support: A study of Saudi students in Malaysia

Abstract

This study explores the specific challenges faced by Saudi students studying in Malaysia, particularly the pressures related to achieving their academic goals abroad. Previous research has often looked at the general factors affecting international students' experiences but has not deeply examined the unique challenges faced by Saudi students who are studying abroad on scholarships. This research aims to identify the difficulties these students face in adapting to a new culture, understand how these challenges relate to their academic stress, evaluate the role of social support in easing this stress, and consider how this knowledge could help develop better support strategies for Saudi students in Malaysia. The research was conducted using a questionnaire given to a group of Saudi students in Malaysia. The findings indicate that social support helps lessen the link between cultural adaptation difficulties and academic stress, which is an important factor affecting their academic success and overall well-being. These results are significant as they can help improve the academic achievement and well-being of international students.