Acculturation Experiences of Seychellois International Students in an Australian University: Perceived Receptiveness of the Local Context

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A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of 12 undergraduate Seychellois international students within an Australian University. Interviews were conducted in Creole, the participants’ native language, and the data was translated to English, transcribed and thematically analyzed. A range of factors prevention adaption through an overall ‘loneliness ‘or ‘homesickness’ where identified, and often these mitigated social interactions, including academic support, orientations, cultural difference, language, financial pressures, and importantly perceived discrimination. Findings are discussed in terms of broader acculturation research and the importance of perceived or actual receptiveness of the local context. The conclusion draws implications for how University systems can tailor and adjust their services to unique cohorts.

Stream: Equity, Social Justice and Social Change; Community, Culture, Globalisation

Paper: , , , Understanding Seychelles International Students’ Social and Cultural Experiences during Transition to an Australian University

Sophia is a Postgraduate Candidate, School of Psychology and Social Sciences, Edith Cowan Univeristy with an interest in international student transition.

Dr Andrew Guilfoyle has a PhD in Social Psychology and is a methodologist experienced in various quantitative and qualitative research designs, teaching qualitative research methods at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Andrew’s research has focused on health services, community well being and quality of life, within educational contexts and in rural and remote settings, particularly for special populations including Indigenous and other cultural groups, young children, and international students.