The Impact of Linguistic Challenges on Cross-Cultural Adjustment of International Students in a Thai University Studying Context.

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Title: The Impact of Linguistic Challenges on Cross-Cultural Adjustment of International Students in a Thai University Studying Context.
Authors: Kongyok, Chanakamol1, Compan, Pongpan1, Promjan, Thongchai1, Numertayasa, I. Wayan2
Source: Theory & Practice in Language Studies (TPLS). Jun2026, Vol. 16 Issue 6, p1987-1998. 12p.
Subject Terms: *Communication barriers, *Universities & colleges, *Academic achievement, *Foreign students, Language services, Cross-cultural differences, Psychological well-being
Geographic Terms: Thailand
Abstract: This study examines the linguistic challenges encountered by international students in Thai higher education, with a particular focus on how these challenges impact their academic success and psychological well-being. A survey of 204 international students revealed that 72% experience significant anxiety during English interactions, which leads to social isolation and a diminished sense of belonging, as 68% struggle to connect with peers. The research identifies that language barriers hinder participation in extracurricular activities, contributing to feelings of alienation. Conversely, effective language support systems were found to enhance academic outcomes and reduce anxiety among students, with 78% reporting improved comprehension and 70% feeling more secure in communication. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive language support in facilitating the integration process, mitigating psychological distress, and fostering social connections, ultimately enhancing the overall experience of international students in Thailand. Recommendations for targeted interventions and support mechanisms are proposed to enhance linguistic competence and foster a more inclusive academic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Theory & Practice in Language Studies (TPLS) is the property of Academy Publication Co., LTD and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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DbLabel: Education Research Complete
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PubType: Academic Journal
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  Data: The Impact of Linguistic Challenges on Cross-Cultural Adjustment of International Students in a Thai University Studying Context.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Communication+barriers%22">Communication barriers</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Universities+%26+colleges%22">Universities & colleges</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Academic+achievement%22">Academic achievement</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+students%22">Foreign students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+services%22">Language services</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cross-cultural+differences%22">Cross-cultural differences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+well-being%22">Psychological well-being</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Thailand%22">Thailand</searchLink>
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  Data: This study examines the linguistic challenges encountered by international students in Thai higher education, with a particular focus on how these challenges impact their academic success and psychological well-being. A survey of 204 international students revealed that 72% experience significant anxiety during English interactions, which leads to social isolation and a diminished sense of belonging, as 68% struggle to connect with peers. The research identifies that language barriers hinder participation in extracurricular activities, contributing to feelings of alienation. Conversely, effective language support systems were found to enhance academic outcomes and reduce anxiety among students, with 78% reporting improved comprehension and 70% feeling more secure in communication. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive language support in facilitating the integration process, mitigating psychological distress, and fostering social connections, ultimately enhancing the overall experience of international students in Thailand. Recommendations for targeted interventions and support mechanisms are proposed to enhance linguistic competence and foster a more inclusive academic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Label:
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Theory & Practice in Language Studies (TPLS) is the property of Academy Publication Co., LTD and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=ehh&AN=194277841
RecordInfo BibRecord:
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        Value: 10.17507/tpls.1606.18
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 12
        StartPage: 1987
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Communication barriers
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Universities & colleges
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Academic achievement
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Language services
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      – SubjectFull: Cross-cultural differences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological well-being
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thailand
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: The Impact of Linguistic Challenges on Cross-Cultural Adjustment of International Students in a Thai University Studying Context.
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            NameFull: Kongyok, Chanakamol
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            NameFull: Compan, Pongpan
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            NameFull: Promjan, Thongchai
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              M: 06
              Text: Jun2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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