Culture Shock an Obstacle for EFL Learners

Students from different countries are exposed to new cultural, social and intellectual experiences in a second language learning environment. Reviews of previous studies suggest that their beliefs, values and attitudes to knowledge can lead to ‘culture shock.’ In this study, theoretical concepts of culture shock and adaptation are reviewed in relation to the pedagogical adaptation of students in an unfamiliar culture. An interview with a sample of 38 Prep. School students, mainly from Azerbeijan, Syria and Iraq at Bahcesehir University were reviewed. The results showed that foreign students had some major difficulties adjusting to academic requirements, particularly with regard to managing the demands of the English as Foreign Language program (EFL). This is a qualitative study which specifically analyzes culture shock in respect to psychological perspectives stress, social identification and adaptation. The use of various indicators showed that foreign students manifested significantly higher degrees of stress, than did the local students. The recommendations of the study are that more academic and counseling support and resources should be provided for this increasing intake of foreign students.