The Factors Affecting Acculturative Stress Among International Students in South Korea

This study uses a mixed methods approach to explore the factors affecting international students in South Korea, focusing on the acculturative conditions of student experiences. For the quantitative aspect, 126 students participated, and 22 students took part in the qualitative research. The findings of the quantitative analysis revealed that male Uzbeks of the sample population who have been in Korea for more than 3 years reported a significant lack of interest in learning about Korean culture. These individuals were also likely to say that they were not in a supportive environment and were not treated fairly compared to Korean students. Qualitative analysis revealed how cultural adaptability and linguistic investment were deciding factors of acculturative stress. This paper offers crucial documentation of how specific international students, such as Uzbekistan nationals, have experienced acculturative stress in South Korea, influencing their decision to reject aspects of Korean society.