“Photo Voicing” Lived Experiences of Adjustment Processes: Asian International Students in a Nonanglophone Study Environment

• In Event: Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: Asian Children in Educational Contexts: Diverse Cultures and Perspectives

Abstract

The Flemish community of Belgium is used as an illustrating case to study the experiences of five Asian international students in a non-Anglophone study environment, with a focus on their academic and socio-cultural adjustment processes. The method of photo voice was applied, including two rounds of photo taking and two focus groups. The findings suggest that for aspects of the host culture that are relatively easy to adapt to, international students generally tend to adopt an integration or assimilation acculturation strategy, while for primary cultural values and ideologies, students were more likely to adopt a separation strategy. Recommendations on the level of universities and individual international students that may facilitate or enrich the adjustment process are provided.

Authors

• Qingchun Wang, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

• Karin Hannes, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven