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A personal construct approach to discovering the transition experience of studying abroad.

Hamad, E., Lee, C.

Keywords:
acculturation, personal construct theory, repertory grid, self-characterization, Saudi Arabian international students

Abstract:
The present study employs a mixed methods design within a Personal Construct Theory perspective to examine the individual ways in which a small sample of graduate students describe their experience of international education. Participants completed a repertory grid involving seventeen roles and a self-characterization task. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the grids showed a two-cluster structure that separated roles between students’ home and host cultures, and the characterizations disclosed some of the individual problems faced by these international students while studying in the host culture. It is suggested that pairing new arrivals with the host culture peers would help international students adjust more successfully to their new experiences.