Coping Strategies Utilized by Arab Students in Overcoming Sociocultural Adjustment Challenges During Their Study in Malaysia

This paper examines the coping strategies utilized by Arab students in overcoming sociocultural adjustment challenges during their study in Malaysian public universities. Although earlier research has largely emphasized the difficulties experienced by international students, less attention has been given to the practical strategies students use to adapt successfully. Guided by cross-cultural adaptation theory and the sociocultural adjustment perspective, the study employed a qualitative interviews approach. In addition, the study focuses on how Arab students respond to language barriers, academic expectations, environmental differences, food adjustment, transportation issues, and social integration. The findings showed that Arab students rely on both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies, including improving English and basic Malay communication, seeking advice from Arab peers and supervisors, maintaining religious and cultural routines, using family and community support, participating gradually in intercultural activities, and making use of university services. The qualitative interviews identified four primary areas of difficulty, with language and social challenges emerging as the most prominent. The study recommended that Malaysian universities should provide stronger orientation programmes, culturally responsive counselling, language support, and structured intercultural engagement to enhance Arab students' academic success and well-being.

Arab students; sociocultural adjustment; coping strategies; culture shock; international students; Malaysia

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