Intercultural Sensitivity and Cross-cultural Adjustment among Malaysian Students Abroad

Abstract

Effective socio-cultural integration has formed Malaysia into a nation with harmonious ethnic diversification and living. Cultural understanding is a foundation to sustain a respectful interethnic relationship among multi-ethnic populations in this country. However, Malaysian may experience cross-cultural difficulties when facing a monoculture or unusual cultural environment overseas. Thus, main purpose of the present study is to examine the extent of intercultural sensitivity support the effectiveness of cross-cultural adjustments among Malaysian students while studying and living abroad. Key finding found in the present study shows the magnitude of intercultural sensitivity is moderately facilitate cross-cultural adjustment among Malaysian students abroad. The implications towards the effectiveness of intercultural relations are also highlighted and discussed. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n7p693