EXPLORING FOREIGN STUDENT’S CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES IN PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES OF LAHORE

Abstract

Many international students are studying at universities in Pakistan. The host nation gains various advantages from these students, and the students advance their education in exchange. However, studying abroad in a nation which is different from their culture and religion might have several disadvantages for international students, such as acculturative stress and issues adjusting to the local culture. In the current research, cultural and academic experiences of foreign student’s in public sector universities are reviewed. Samples from Punjab University and university of engineering and technology were collected. Recurring topics in the text were recognized as themes and sub-themes utilizing the research structure provided by the research objectives, research questions and the theoretical framework. This process allowed a deeper understanding and explanation of issues that were being studied. To ensure greater validity and reliability, a peer reviewer read through the data to ensure themes and categories corresponded with the research questions. The results states that overseas students typically face were among the prominent variables from acculturation models examined in the literature (e.g., language barriers, educational difficulties, loneliness, discrimination, and practical problems associated with changing environments). Further examined were the effects of social support and coping mechanisms on the stress faced by international students and the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of this student population. Furthermore, well-known acculturation models highlight the host society as a crucial element impacting international students' acculturation, suggesting the need for further involvement.