Intercultural experiences and adaptations of Filipino foreign exchange students: an exploration on communication strategies

Abstract

Intercultural communication has become significantly important due to the increasing trend of multiculturalism in the workplace. It has even been said that the art of knowing how to communicate with other cultures should be an emphasized working skill. As an implication, there is now a need to learn how to act appropriately in culturally diverse settings since business leaders who wanted to have a competitive edge globally now place value on employing staff with intercultural communication skills practically gained from studying abroad. To address this need, the researcher had come up with a study that explored the intercultural experiences of Filipino foreign-exchange students, focusing on their cultural adaptation from the communication perspective. This study focused on the communication variables related to adaptation: intrapersonal and interpersonal communication. In particular, this study answered the main research question, “What are the different communication strategies that participants use in order to culturally adapt to their host country’s culture?” In addressing the main research question, qualitative research design was used through face-to-face in-depth interview with seven Filipino foreign-exchange program participants from Korea (2), Japan (2), Singapore, Germany, and Romania. Regarding strategies of preparations taken by the participants prior to program participation, two themes emerged: having motivated mindset and development of cultural knowledge. Regarding the challenges, problems, and difficulties encountered by the participants, all respondents had difficulties in adapting to their host country’s culture in terms of food, weather, finances, homesickness, and language differences. As such, different communication strategies were employed by the participants in order to adjust to their host countries. According to the answers given by the respondents, they enhanced their cultural knowledge by acquiring mannerisms and behavioral routines; mastered knowledge acquisition strategies such as asking and observing; and had self-explorations to adapt to their host country’s culture. In terms of verbal communication, the respondents also formed social relationships, initiated and maintained conversations, and conversed calmly and confidently with host country nationals. Regarding non-verbal communication, the respondents showed attentiveness and interest (by using appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and maintenance of eye contact) and coped with nervousness (by having a strong mindset or being silent) to host country nationals. After participating in the exchange program, all of the respondents expressed how being in a diverse culture made them culturally aware and sensitive.