A case study on the role of self esteem and socio-cultural adaptation in academic performances among married International postgraduate students at IIUM

Abstract

With globalization in education, many individual’s decide to continue their studies abroad and become international students. This situation highlights the importance of understanding the challenges and responsibilities faced by international students, especially those who are married and pursuing postgraduate studies. Therefore, this study focuses on the role of self-esteem and socio-cultural adaptation in the academic performance of married international postgraduate students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Married international students have more complicated responsibilities such as facing family and academic responsibilities at the same time, as well as the need to adjust to the culture and social environment in a new setting. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. The data were collected through interviews using open-ended questions with seven married international postgraduate students, comprising both male and female participants, at IIUM. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis. The findings show that self-esteem was found to play an important role in shaping participants academic experiences and performance. Socio-cultural adaptation influenced academic engagement and success through daily life adjustment, communication barriers, and the risk of misunderstanding in interactions. Marital roles and responsibilities can shape the academic journey through additional demands beyond academic requirements, which may trigger mental fatigue, guilt, and divided focus. Participants applied combined coping strategies to maintain self-esteem and support adaptation while managing academic demands. The results imply that the participants academic journeys are shaped by several interrelated aspects, which are self-esteem, socio-cultural adaptation, marital roles and responsibilities, and the coping strategies used by the participants to maintain their academic performance. The findings highlight the need to strengthen well-being, counselling, academic support, and access to campus support information, while also providing practical guidance for married postgraduate students pursuing or planning postgraduate studies abroad. Keyword: self-esteem, socio-cultural adaptation, academic performance, international students, married postgraduate students, IIUM.