A peer mentoring social learning perspective of cross-cultural adjustment: The rapid-acculturation mateship program

One of the persisting challenges facing societies and organizations is to socially integrate sojourners, expatriates, including migrants into the host culture whilst leveraging reciprocal cross-cultural learning experiences. In a quasi-experimental field study, using an embedded unequal design, inco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of intercultural relations 2021-09, Vol.84, p.276-299
Main Authors: Pekerti, Andre A., van de Vijver, Fons J.R., Moeller, Miriam, Okimoto, Tyler G., Edwards, Martin R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acculturation
Adjustment
Communication
Cross-cultural adjustment
Expatriates
Foreign students
Intercultural communication
Life skills
Mentoring
Mentors
Migrants
Peer mentoring
Quasi-experimental methods
Skills
Social learning
Social learning theory
Social skills
Sociocultural factors
Well being
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Summary:One of the persisting challenges facing societies and organizations is to socially integrate sojourners, expatriates, including migrants into the host culture whilst leveraging reciprocal cross-cultural learning experiences. In a quasi-experimental field study, using an embedded unequal design, incoming international students’ (i-Students’) adjustment processes were investigated via a comprehensive 18/19-week peer mentoring social learning cross-cultural adjustment program. Forty-three local mentors were paired with 126 i-Student mentees, and 238 i-Students served as a control group. Quantitative and complementary qualitative data were collected from mentees, mentors, and controls at three time-points. Results showed effects in intercultural communication, cultural adjustment, life skills, and well-being domains. Mentors’ 360-degree synchronous evaluation of mentees showed increases in all skills measured. Post-program responses from participants confirmed the increase in communication and life skills, supporting the social learning hypothesis. Theoretical and practical implications are presented to assist individuals studying and/or working with their acculturation in foreign nations.
ISSN:0147-1767
1873-7552
DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2021.08.010