University of Twente Student Theses
Culture Clash: Investigating Interpersonal Challenges Between International and Dutch Students
Diaz Olson, Daniel (2024) Culture Clash: Investigating Interpersonal Challenges Between International and Dutch Students.
|
PDF
915kB |
| Abstract: | This study investigates how cultural differences in communication contribute to misunderstandings or conflicts between international students and their Dutch counterparts in Dutch universities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 international students from diverse backgrounds studying in the Netherlands. The research is grounded in Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, Hall’s cultures, Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), and Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT). The findings reveal five main areas of conflict: direct communication style, language use, different working methods, hierarchical preferences, and broader cultural differences. Dutch directness often clashed with the indirect communication styles of international students. Language barriers came up when Dutch students switched to Dutch in group settings. Diverse working methods and project execution approaches led to tensions. Different attitudes towards hierarchy and authority caused misunderstandings. Broader cultural differences in time management and interpersonal interactions also contributed to conflicts. The study proposes several strategies to address these challenges, including promoting inclusive language use, encouraging flexibility in working methods, addressing hierarchical preferences through open discussions, and enhancing intercultural competence. These findings have significant implications for curriculum design, orientation programs, and group work guidelines in multicultural educational settings. This research contributes to the development of intercultural competence models and provides practical insights for improving cross-cultural communication and collaboration in diverse academic environments. The study's limitations include its sample size and context specific nature, suggesting ways for future research to further explore and validate these findings in broader contexts. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general, 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies BSc (56615) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/101753 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page