From Africa to the United States
Exploring African students’ lived experiences at an American university
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/1j5s6j26Keywords:
American culture, sojourn, African students, culture, cross-cultural adaptationAbstract
This study explores the lived experiences of African students studying in the US, focusing on both their positive and negative experiences. Following a descriptive study design, the study uses in-depth interviews with 21 participants (male, n = 13; female, n = 8) enrolled at a U.S. university. The participants were recruited through snowball sampling. The findings reveal that the main incentives for studying in the US are the perceptions of American institutions of higher learning as outstanding and better career prospects after graduation. Students view university-organized orientations, media shows on American culture, and participation in cross-cultural events as factors that help them acclimate to the new environment. The key challenges that they face are language barriers, discrimination, and culture shock. This research illustrates how prospective African students can navigate challenges as they adapt to new learning environments while studying abroad.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Robert G. Nyaga
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