Analysing the Influence of Cultural Distance and Language Barriers on Academic Performance among International Students in Higher Education Institutions

Authors

  • Vimala Venugopal Muthuswamy
  • Varshika G

Keywords:

cultural distance, higher education, international education, langage barriers, self-efficacy

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate dynamics faced by international students in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia, specifically examining the consequential impacts of cultural and language barriers on academic performance. Cultural distance, language barriers, and social adjustment are analysed for their influence on academic outcomes, with a focus on understanding the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderating impact of cultural intelligence. Methodologically, data from 220 students were meticulously collected through surveys, and quantitative analysis using SPSS was employed. The results indicate that language barriers significantly affect academic performance, while social adjustment and cultural distance show insignificant effects on academic outcomes. 

References

Adeniran, A. O. (2019). Application of Likert scale’s type and Cronbach’s alpha analysis in an airport perception study. Scholar Journal of Applied Sciences and Research, 2(4), 1-5. http://innovationinfo.org/articles/SJASR/SJASR-4-223.pdf Al Doghan, M. A., Bhatti, M. A., & Juhari, A. S. (2019). Do Psychological Diversity Climate, HRM Practices, and Personality Traits (Big Five) Influence Multicultural Workforce Job Satisfaction and Performance? Current Scenario, Literature Gap, and Future Research Directions. SAGE Open, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019851578

AlMazrouei, H., & Zacca, R. (2021). Cultural intelligence as a predictor of expatriate managers turnover intention and creative self-efficacy. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 29(1), 59-77. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-10-2019-1904

Alofan, F., Chen, S., & Tan, H. (2020). National cultural distance, organizational culture, and adaptation of management innovations in foreign subsidiaries: A fuzzy set analysis of TQM implementation in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Business Research, 109, 184-199. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.11.037

Arslantaş, S. (2021). An investigation of preservice teachers’ academic self-efficacy and academic motivation. International Journal of Modern Education Studies, 5(1), 146-167. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/ijonmes/issue/67828/1052063 Awais Bhatti, M., Kaur, S. and Mohamed Battour, M. (2013). Effects of individual characteristics on expatriates' adjustment and job performance. European Journal of Training and Development, 37(6), 544-563. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-02-2013-0013

Bender, M., van Osch, Y., Sleegers, W., & Ye, M. (2019). Social Support Benefits Psychological Adjustment of International Students: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(7), 827-847. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022119861151

Berndt, A. E. (2020). Sampling Methods. Journal of Human Lactation, 36(2), 224-226. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334420906850 Bhatti, M.A., Alshagawi, M., Zakariya, A. and Juhari, A.S. (2019). Do multicultural faculty members perform well in higher educational institutions? Examining the roles of psychological diversity climate, HRM practices and personality traits (Big Five). European Journal of Training and Development, 43(1/2), 166-187. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-08-2018-0081

Chan, R. C. H. (2022). A social cognitive perspective on gender disparities in self-efficacy, interest, and aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): the influence of cultural and gender norms. International Journal of STEM Education, 9(1), 37. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00352-0

Choi, W.-S., Kang, S.-W., & Choi, S. B. (2021b). Innovative Behavior in the Workplace: An Empirical Study of Moderated Mediation Model of Self-Efficacy, Perceived Organizational Support, and Leader–Member Exchange. Behavioral Sciences, 11(12). https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjet.13030

Di Natale, A. F., Repetto, C., Riva, G., & Villani, D. (2020). Immersive virtual reality in K‐12 and higher education: A 10‐year systematic review of empirical research. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(6), 2006-2033. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13030

Fan, D. X. F., Qiu, H., Jenkins, C. L., & Lau, C. (2023). Towards a better tourist-host relationship: the role of social contact between tourists’ perceived cultural distance and travel attitude. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(2), 204-228. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2020.1783275

Glass, C. R., & Cruz, N. I. (2023). Moving towards multipolarity: shifts in the core-periphery structure of international student mobility and world rankings

Downloads

Published

2023-12-17

Issue

Section

Research Articles (English)

How to Cite

Analysing the Influence of Cultural Distance and Language Barriers on Academic Performance among International Students in Higher Education Institutions. (2023). Journal of International Students, 13(3), 415-440. https://www.ojed.org/jis/article/view/6370