COMMUNICATION CULTURE SHOCK AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES OF NIGERIAN POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UK

This study explores the challenges faced by Nigerian postgraduate students in the UK, focusing on culture shock's impact on communication and adaptation. Addressing a gap in literature, it examines the communication techniques used by these students to navigate cultural differences. Anchored in Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and Social Identity Theory, the study analyses how students adjust their communication styles and how group identity influences adaptation. Utilising a survey research design, data from 381 Nigerian postgraduate students reveal various communication strategies, such as speaking clearly and embracing feedback, to overcome barriers. The study also maps the emotional stages of adaptation using Oberg's U-Curve Theory. A survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of this study was made up of Nigerian postgraduate students in Scotland, United Kingdom. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (2023), the number of Nigerian postgraduate students in the United Kingdom between the year 2017/2018 through to 2021/2022 is 51,815. Keyton’s formula for sample size determination was used to and the sample size of this study was 381. The snowball sampling was used in different stages. Data were gathered using the copies of the questionnaire which were administered on the respondents virtually. Quantitative data analysis was adopted in this study such as the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and percentages. The findings have significant implications for educational institutions aiming to support international students. By enhancing communication skills and cultural awareness, institutions can better facilitate the integration and academic success of Nigerian postgraduate students. This research recommended that