Sociocultural adaptation process of international graduate students at a university in southern Chile.

Chile has a growing migrant presence, including at universities. As migration involves adjusting to new demands, this study aims to understand international graduate students' sociocultural adaptation in a southern Chilean city using qualitative phenomenological research. Thirteen semi-structured in...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment Vol. 35; no. 7; pp. 1215 - 1230
Autores principales: Sarmiento Quiñones, Astrid Vanessa, Bustos Navarrete, Claudio, Vergara Del Solar, Jorge Iván, Salazar Alvarado, María Amalia, Bravo, Cecilia
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Oct2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Chile has a growing migrant presence, including at universities. As migration involves adjusting to new demands, this study aims to understand international graduate students' sociocultural adaptation in a southern Chilean city using qualitative phenomenological research. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were analyzed via interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings show migration decisions are influenced by home country social factors and academic/cultural growth objectives in Chile, impacted by contextual, cultural, social, and intrapersonal elements. Students manage threats using emotional regulation, acculturation strategies, and sense-making coping. Supportive social environments also protect, offering valued conditions. In conclusion, adaptation involves individual coping strategies and host society social factors. The paper discusses recommendations for future research.