Cultural gap and psychological adjustment at IIUM : a study of Bangladeshi students

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which Bangladeshi students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) experience a cultural gap upon enrolling in the university. The main objective of the study is to examine the perceptions of Bangladeshi students on this cultural gap its impact on their overall experience of studying in IIUM. The participants in the study were Bangladeshi undergraduate students, currently pursuing their studies at IIUM. The qualitative approach of phenomenology was employed in this study. Data were collected using in-depth openended interviews. The response of each participant was recorded and transcribed for further analysis. Following the phenomenological method of analysis, significant statements were extracted, tabulated, and organized into themes of related meanings. The study has found that Bangladeshi students studying in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) are experiencing a cultural gap manifested in the themes of homesickness, food problem, financial problem, and language problems. Among the methods used by the Bangladeshi students to adjust to the gap include looking at the positive aspects of the local culture and involving co-curricular activities. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies from other parts of the world. The uniqueness and significance of this study lies in the fact it is the first study has about the experience of cultural gap by Asian Muslim students in an Asian Muslim country.