Experiences of Saudi students attending a U.S. University: A qualitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain a detailed understanding of the experiences of Saudi students attending a U.S. university. Acculturation theory was the theoretical framework through which the experiences of the Saudi students were analyzed and understood. The data were collected by using individual interviews with 21 Saudi students who were undergraduate and graduate students. Findings indicated that most Saudi participants chose integration to be their most preferred acculturation strategy. Yet, some situational factors affected their integration. The study provided implications for higher education policy and practice to enhance Saudi students' education in the U.S.; newcomer Saudi students who desire to pursue their higher education in the U.S. would benefit from understanding these experiences; and to acculturation theory.