CULTURE SHOCKS FACED BY STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG DURING STUDYING ABROAD

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CULTURE SHOCKS FACED BY STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY

MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG DURING STUDYING ABROAD

THESIS

By:

AFIF IRAWAN

201010100311242

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG


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CULTURE SHOCKS FACED BY STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY

MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG DURING STUDYING ABROAD

THESIS

This thesis is submitted to fulfill one of the requirements to achieve

Sarjana Degree in English Education

By:

AFIF IRAWAN

201010100311242

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG


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This thesis is written by Afif Irawan and approved on July 30

th

, 2015

By

Advisor II

Advisor I


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This thesis was defended in front of the examiners of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of University of Muhammadiyah Malang

and accepted as one of the requirements to achieve Sarjana Degree In English Department

on July 30th, 2015

Approved by:

Faculty of Teacher Training and Education

University of Muhammadiyah Malang

Dean,

Dr. Poncojari Wahyono, M.Kes

Examiners:

Signatures:

1. Dr. Sudiran, M.Hum

1.

2. Rahmawati Khadijah Maro, S.Pd., M.PEd

2.

3. Dra. Thathit Manon Andini, M.Hum

3.


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ORIGINALITY DECLARATION

The undersigned:

Name

: Afif Irawan

Student Number : 201010100311242

Program of Study : English Departement

Faculty

: Faculty of Teacher Training and Education

I declare that the work presented in this thesis was carried out by myself

did not incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously

submitted for a degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my

knowledge this thesis does not contain any material previously publish or

written by another person except were due reference is made in text.

Malang, July 30, 2015


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MOTTO AND DEDICATIONS

Indeed, we have given you, [O Muhammad],

a clear conquest

(Q.S: Al-Fath-48:1)

“Don’t give up because

you are l

osing”

(Kellin Quinn)

The world is what you think of it

(Paul Arden)

DEDICATION:

I dedicate this thesis to:

My dearest mother

My beloved father

My sister and my brother


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CULTURE SHOCKS FACED BY STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG DURING STUDYING ABROAD

ABSTRACT

Culture shock is believed to be a major issue for students who go abroad to study. Though small differences around students may cause frustration, for instance; the food is different, unfamiliar language, norms, and the other traditions that they are used to. Yet, culture shocks are not either sickness or disease. Moreover, culture is could be learnt and culture shock is possible to be prepared in advance. These possibilities encourage the researcher to conduct research concerned in culture shock. Related to culture shock phenomenon, the research problems are formulated as the following: (1). What culture shocks were faced by Students of University Muhammadiyah Malang during studying abroad? (2). How did the students overcome the culture shocks during studying abroad?

This research uses qualitative research while the data are displayed in the form of descriptive. This research requires seven participants who are originally students of University Muhammadiyah Malang to acquire the data sources. In analyzing the data earned, firstly reviews the collected data that have been collected, then identify the culture shocks faced by research subjects. The next step is identifying the solutions made by research subjects to overcome the culture shocks. While drawing the conclusion, the researcher submits an expert’s words to give proofs that culture shocks could be learnt.

Thought most of the consequences of culture shock appear in negative way, it is actually a learning process where sojourners are capable to cope with. As the research findings and discussions were made, the researcher discovered that based on ABCs- “The Treatment of Culture Shock”, the most of the correspondents resolved the culture shock with emphasizing affects. (1) twelve culture shocks were resolved by affect, (2) six culture shocks were resolved by behavior, (3) five culture shocks were resolved by cognitions.

Key words: Studying Abroad, Culture, Culture Shock

Advisor I The researcher


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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Alhamdulillahi rabbil ‘aalamiin, wassholatu wassalamu ‘ala rasulillah. Praise to Allah SWT, the main source of strength who always gives strength and patience to finish this thesis. Shalawah and salam may always be upon the holy prophet, Muhammad SAW.

The researcher would like to express his deepest gratitude to his thesis advisors, Dra. Thathit Manon Andini, M.Hum and

Mas’udi, Drs., M. Ed

for their suggestions, guides, advices, and their times during the advising periods, even life lessons. May Allah always bestow them an endless blessings. Aamin.

The researcher’s special thanks are well-gifted to his Mother, Mudrikah Rahmawati for her endless love, love, and love again, for his father, and also big family for their loves and supports.

The researcher also wants to thank his lover Julia Januarista Savitri for being together since 14 years long, best buddy Ahmad Husaini for being his companion for all the entire university life, the comrades of English department year of 2010 for their togetherness during these late years. The last but not the least, special thanks are

given to the researcher’s special people, Carol Siew Wei, Anna Marie De Las, Wahyu

Sulistiono, Firman Hadi Wijaya, Elly Louisce Kibad, Lidwina Angeline, and Tigor Hamoenangan, for their supports and bullies.

Malang, July 2015


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPROVAL ………..…….. i

LEGALIZATION ………... ii

ORIGINALITY DECLARATION ……….... iii

LEGALIZATION ……….…... iv

MOTTO AND DEDICATIONS ………....…..v

ABSTRACT ………...… vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ………... vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ………..... viii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study ………..……..…... 1

1.2 Statement of the Problems ………...………..… 3

1.3 The Purpose of the Study ………... 3

1.4 Significance of the Study ………...…....… 4

1.5 Scope and Limitation ………...….…. 4

1.6 Definition of Key Terms ………....… 5

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Culture ……… 6

2.2 Culture Influence………...…………..……….……...… 8

2.3 Culture Shock ………...……….... 11

2.4 The Stage of Culture Shock ………...………...… 13

2.5 ABCs- “The Treatment of Culture Shock”………..………….… 15

2.5.1 Culture Learning ………..………. 15

2.5.2 Stress and Coping……….………. 17

2.5.3 Social Identification ………...………... 19

2.6 Cultural Adjustment ……….……… 19


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CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design ………..…………...……….. 23

3.2 Research Subject ………..…….………...…. 24

3.3 Research Instrument ………..………..………. 25

3.4 Data Collection ………..………...… 26

3.5 Data Analysis ………..….………. 27

CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Research Findings ………. 28

4.1.1 Culture shocks were faced by students during studying abroad ……….………...……… 28

4.1.1.1 Food ………...……… 28

4.1.1.2 Manners ……….……… 30

4.1.1.3 Ceremonies ………...………. 32

4.1.1.4 Beliefs ………...………. 34

4.1.1.5 Laws (written and unwritten) ……… 35

4.1.2 How the way students overcame the culture shocks ……… 39

4.1.1.1 Food ………...………… 38

4.1.1.2 Manners ……….……… 39

4.1.1.3 Ceremonies ………...………. 40

4.1.1.4 Beliefs ………...………. 40

4.1.1.5 Laws (written and unwritten) ……… 42

4.2 Discussion ……….… 43

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS 5.1 Conclusion ………..………...………...…… 45

5.2 Suggestions ……….….……….… 46 REFERENCES


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REFERENCES

Behrnd, V., &Porzelt, S. (2012).Intercultural competence and training outcomes of students with experiences abroad. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 36, 213

Burke, C. S., Priest, H. A., Upshaw, C., Salas, E., and Pierce, L. (2007) “A

sensemaking approach to understanding multicultural teams: An initial framework”. The Influence of Culture on Human Resource Management Processes and Practices, p.269.

Cormack, M. L. (1968). “International development through educational exchange”.

Review of Educational Research, 38(3), p.293-302.

De Ley, H. (1975). “Organized programs of study in France: Some contributions of stranger theory. The French Review”, 48(5), 836-847

Donald Ary, Lucy Cheser J., and Christine K. Sorensen (2010), Introduction to Research In Education Eighth Edition. Belmort: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, p,29,372,426, 649

French, R. (2007). Cross-cultural management in work organisations.CIPD. Gudykunst, William B and Young Y. Kim (2003).Communicating with Strangers:

An approach to Intercultural Communication, 4th ed. NY: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company.

Knight, S. M and Schmidt‐ Rinehart, B. C. (2002) “Enhancing the homestay: Study abroad from the host family's perspective”. Foreign Language Annals, 35(2), p.190-201.

Kohls, L. Robert, 2001 “Survival Kit of Overseas Living”. Intercultural Press, Yarmouth, p.25

Matsumoto, David., Hwang and Hyi Sung. (2010) “Culture and Emotion: The

Integration of Biological and Cultural Contributions”. Journal of Cross- Cultural Psychology, 43(1), p.91-188.

McCrae, R. R., Allik, I. (Eds.). (2002) The five-factor model of personality across cultures. Plenum Publishing Corporation.

Mckeown, Joshua S, 2009 “The First Time Effect: The Impact of Studying Abroad

on College Student Intellectual Development”. State University of New York, Albany, p.11-12

Morris, Michael W., Zou, Xi., Tam , Kim-Pong., Lau ,Ivy Yee-Man., Lee, Sau- lai.,Chiu and Chi-yue. (2009) “Culture as Common Sense: Perceived Consensus Versus Personal Beliefs as Mechanisms of Cultural Influence”. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Vol. 97, No. 4, p.579–597. Pedersen, Paul. “The Five Stages of Culture Shock: Critical Incidents Around the


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World.Contributions in Psychology”. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1995.

Steers, Richard M. and LuciaraNardon (2006).“Managing in the Global Economy”. NY: M.E. Sharpe.

Taylor, Edward W. (1994) “Intercultural competency: A transformative learning

process”. Adult Education Quarterly, 44.3, p.154-174.

Trompenaars, Fons (1993) Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business. London: Nicholas Brealey.

Ulf Hannerz. (1990) “Cosmopolitans and Locals in World Culture”. Theory Culture

Society, 1Jun 1., p.237-251.

Uwe Flick (2009). An Introduction to Qualitative Research Fourth Edition Sage. London: SAGE Publications Ltd., p.2,233

Ward, Collen.,Bochner, Stephen., Gurnham and Adrian. (2011) The psychology of Culture Schock.East Sussex, Routledge.

Welch, A. (2013). “Technocracy, Uncertainty, and Ethics: Comparative Education in an Era of Postmodernity and Globalization. In Arnove, R.F., Torres, C. A, & Franz, S (Eds.) Comparative Education: The dialectic of the global and the local”. Plymouth, (pp. 27), UK: Rowman&Littlefiled Publishers, Inc.


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1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The first chapter of this thesis contains some topics such as: background of study, statement of problem, purpose of study, significance of study, scope and limitation, and definition of key terms.

1.1Background of Study

International learning experiences have become increasingly important in higher education as these institutions seek to educate global citizens who can cross international and cultural borders and follow the rapid movement of culture, technology, communication, and business. Current discourse suggests that those individuals who can successfully navigate a globalized world gain unmitigated access to advancements in culture and commerce and secure positions as stakeholders in the new global economy (Welch, 2013). Study abroad programs are at the forefront of the missions to enhance the global competency of today’s students. Additionally, one’s motivation to study abroad is often related to the expectation of achieving these proposed outcomes, which often entail the desire “to learn about a different culture, to broaden the mental horizon, to extend professional knowledge at a different university, or simply to improve language skills” (Behrnd&Porzelt, 2012).

Nowadays, there is a boom of globalization in the whole world providing people with the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world in any time and at any place. Traveling, studying, working or living abroad became a common experience


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2

ofhuman beings. Globalization became a pervasive phenomenon that brings various cultures into more intensive contact.

Culture is "an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of any given society. Culture refers to the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and makes -- its systems of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted

from generation to generation” (Robert, 2001)

The international cooperation around the world brings the transmission not only of human beings but also their cultures. Each human being carries his or her cultural identity with him or her to the new environment thus it is not only his or her personality but also his or her cultural background that encounter the new culture. Encountering the new culture results in new and interesting experience. Nevertheless, the process of encountering is usually accompanied with a phenomenon of culture shock problems especially when a sojourner stays abroad for a longer period of time.The most common problems include: information overload, language barrier, generation gap, technology gap, skill interdependence, formulation dependency, homesickness, infinite regress, boredom, response ability (Paul, 1995)

Living and studying abroad are personal experiencesfound by Students of UniversityMuhammadiyah Malang who went across the border, not as a tourist but as someone having an everyday life in a new place. Most students will experience some challenges when moving abroad: the food is different, familiar greetings such as


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3

language, and have other norms and traditions than they are used to. At the same time, university rules and students life may be different. Sometimes the small differences that are most frustrating, as they think they know how to behave and do things, but they get a strange responses. In some cases, students experience what is called culture shock. These experiencesconsequently givemotivation to the researcher to write about the experiences of culture shock.

The purpose of the research isto describe the phenomenon of culture shock. In the first part, the researcher of the research introducesthe culture shock in a broader context where phenomena such as culture, cultureinfluence,dimension, beliefs and action its impact on ones’ experiencing the cultureshock. The second part of the research deals with the culture shock itself, its symptoms, phases andpossibilities how to cope with it. Thus, the research intends to provide narrow as well asbroader insight into the phenomenon of culture shock.

1.2 Statement of Problems

The statements of problems of this research are:

a) What culture shocks were faced by Students of UniversityMuhammadiyah Malang during studying abroad?

b) How did the students overcome the culture shocks during studying abroad?

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study are made to answer the statement of problems in this research, the purpose of the study are:


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4

a) To identify what culture shocks were faced by student of University Muhammadiyah Malang during studying abroad.

b) To reveal the solutions that students used to overcome the culture shocks during studying abroad.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Significances of the study in this research are to the researcher himself, to the lecturers,to the Students of University Muhammadiyah Malang and to the next researchers.

a) For the researcher: this research will help researcher to enrich his knowledge about culture shocks faced during studying abroad in various countries.

b) For lecturers: The result of the research may add their materials in teaching Cross Cultural Understanding Subject, especially in case of culture shock.

c) For Students of University of Muhammadiyah Malang. This research is expected to enrich experiences before starting study abroad programs, especially in case of culture shocks

b) For the future researchers: This research is expected to be knowledge references of students in cross cultural studies and theme of culture shock in more specific way. And hopefully this research can be the one of sources for students want to attempt a research around cultural studies even further.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

The scope of the research focuses on Students of University Muhammadiyah Malang who successfully navigated the study abroad.Robert (2001) identifies culture shocks into 19 kinds. Thusthe researcher confines the limitation of this research into


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5

five kinds of culture shock; manners, ceremonies, foods, beliefs, and laws (written and unwritten).

1.6 Definition of Key Terms

To avoid any kind of misunderstanding, the researcher would like to give some key terms in this research. The key terms are as follows:

a) Studying Abroad: Studying abroad is an academic experience, whether short term (as short as 1 week) or longer (up to a full academic year), during which students physically leave the origin country to engage in college study, cultural interaction, and more in the host country. It may include foreign language study, residing with a foreign host family, internships, and service (Joshua 2009: 11,12) b) Culture:an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of them members of any given society (Robert 2001: 25). In short, culture is the total way of lie of any people. Thus, it is obvious that culture is woven intricately into the very fiber of every member of the group and is a controlling influence in the way people live, think, speak, and behave.

c) Culture Shock:a normal process of adaptation to cultural stress involving such symptoms as anxiety, helplessness, irritability, and longing for a more

predictable and gratifying environment” (Church in Taylor 1994: 156). Hence,

culture shocks can be described as a complex process of adaptation of a person in a new place of particular culture.


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World.Contributions in Psychology”. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1995.

Steers, Richard M. and LuciaraNardon (2006).“Managing in the Global Economy”. NY: M.E. Sharpe.

Taylor, Edward W. (1994) “Intercultural competency: A transformative learning process”. Adult Education Quarterly, 44.3, p.154-174.

Trompenaars, Fons (1993) Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business. London: Nicholas Brealey.

Ulf Hannerz. (1990) “Cosmopolitans and Locals in World Culture”. Theory Culture Society, 1Jun 1., p.237-251.

Uwe Flick (2009). An Introduction to Qualitative Research Fourth Edition Sage. London: SAGE Publications Ltd., p.2,233

Ward, Collen.,Bochner, Stephen., Gurnham and Adrian. (2011) The psychology of Culture Schock.East Sussex, Routledge.

Welch, A. (2013). “Technocracy, Uncertainty, and Ethics: Comparative Education in an Era of Postmodernity and Globalization. In Arnove, R.F., Torres, C. A, & Franz, S (Eds.) Comparative Education: The dialectic of the global and the local”. Plymouth, (pp. 27), UK: Rowman&Littlefiled Publishers, Inc.


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1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The first chapter of this thesis contains some topics such as: background of study, statement of problem, purpose of study, significance of study, scope and limitation, and definition of key terms.

1.1Background of Study

International learning experiences have become increasingly important in higher education as these institutions seek to educate global citizens who can cross international and cultural borders and follow the rapid movement of culture, technology, communication, and business. Current discourse suggests that those individuals who can successfully navigate a globalized world gain unmitigated access to advancements in culture and commerce and secure positions as stakeholders in the new global economy (Welch, 2013). Study abroad programs are at the forefront of the missions to enhance the global competency of today’s students. Additionally, one’s motivation to study abroad is often related to the expectation of achieving these proposed outcomes, which often entail the desire “to learn about a different culture, to broaden the mental horizon, to extend professional knowledge at a different university, or simply to improve language skills” (Behrnd&Porzelt, 2012).

Nowadays, there is a boom of globalization in the whole world providing people with the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world in any time and at any place. Traveling, studying, working or living abroad became a common experience


(3)

2

ofhuman beings. Globalization became a pervasive phenomenon that brings various cultures into more intensive contact.

Culture is "an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of any given society. Culture refers to the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and makes -- its systems of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation” (Robert, 2001)

The international cooperation around the world brings the transmission not only of human beings but also their cultures. Each human being carries his or her cultural identity with him or her to the new environment thus it is not only his or her personality but also his or her cultural background that encounter the new culture. Encountering the new culture results in new and interesting experience. Nevertheless, the process of encountering is usually accompanied with a phenomenon of culture shock problems especially when a sojourner stays abroad for a longer period of time.The most common problems include: information overload, language barrier, generation gap, technology gap, skill interdependence, formulation dependency, homesickness, infinite regress, boredom, response ability (Paul, 1995)

Living and studying abroad are personal experiencesfound by Students of UniversityMuhammadiyah Malang who went across the border, not as a tourist but as someone having an everyday life in a new place. Most students will experience some challenges when moving abroad: the food is different, familiar greetings such as ‘hello’ may give other responses than they are used to, people talk in an unfamiliar


(4)

3

language, and have other norms and traditions than they are used to. At the same time, university rules and students life may be different. Sometimes the small differences that are most frustrating, as they think they know how to behave and do things, but they get a strange responses. In some cases, students experience what is called culture shock. These experiencesconsequently givemotivation to the researcher to write about the experiences of culture shock.

The purpose of the research isto describe the phenomenon of culture shock. In the first part, the researcher of the research introducesthe culture shock in a broader context where phenomena such as culture, cultureinfluence,dimension, beliefs and action its impact on ones’ experiencing the cultureshock. The second part of the research deals with the culture shock itself, its symptoms, phases andpossibilities how to cope with it. Thus, the research intends to provide narrow as well asbroader insight into the phenomenon of culture shock.

1.2 Statement of Problems

The statements of problems of this research are:

a) What culture shocks were faced by Students of UniversityMuhammadiyah Malang during studying abroad?

b) How did the students overcome the culture shocks during studying abroad? 1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study are made to answer the statement of problems in this research, the purpose of the study are:


(5)

4

a) To identify what culture shocks were faced by student of University Muhammadiyah Malang during studying abroad.

b) To reveal the solutions that students used to overcome the culture shocks during studying abroad.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Significances of the study in this research are to the researcher himself, to the lecturers,to the Students of University Muhammadiyah Malang and to the next researchers.

a) For the researcher: this research will help researcher to enrich his knowledge about culture shocks faced during studying abroad in various countries.

b) For lecturers: The result of the research may add their materials in teaching Cross Cultural Understanding Subject, especially in case of culture shock.

c) For Students of University of Muhammadiyah Malang. This research is expected to enrich experiences before starting study abroad programs, especially in case of culture shocks

b) For the future researchers: This research is expected to be knowledge references of students in cross cultural studies and theme of culture shock in more specific way. And hopefully this research can be the one of sources for students want to attempt a research around cultural studies even further.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

The scope of the research focuses on Students of University Muhammadiyah Malang who successfully navigated the study abroad.Robert (2001) identifies culture shocks into 19 kinds. Thusthe researcher confines the limitation of this research into


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5

five kinds of culture shock; manners, ceremonies, foods, beliefs, and laws (written and unwritten).

1.6 Definition of Key Terms

To avoid any kind of misunderstanding, the researcher would like to give some key terms in this research. The key terms are as follows:

a) Studying Abroad: Studying abroad is an academic experience, whether short

term (as short as 1 week) or longer (up to a full academic year), during which students physically leave the origin country to engage in college study, cultural interaction, and more in the host country. It may include foreign language study, residing with a foreign host family, internships, and service (Joshua 2009: 11,12)

b) Culture:an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic

of them members of any given society (Robert 2001: 25). In short, culture is the total way of lie of any people. Thus, it is obvious that culture is woven intricately into the very fiber of every member of the group and is a controlling influence in the way people live, think, speak, and behave.

c) Culture Shock:a normal process of adaptation to cultural stress involving such

symptoms as anxiety, helplessness, irritability, and longing for a more predictable and gratifying environment” (Church in Taylor 1994: 156). Hence, culture shocks can be described as a complex process of adaptation of a person in a new place of particular culture.