Exploring the mediating role of cross-cultural adjustment in international student satisfaction

Studies on international student satisfaction have typically examined external factors, such as quality of education, university services and learning facilities as its predictors. In contrast, research is limited regarding how international students may foster their positive experience through actively applying social and cultural skills into their adjustment during cultural transition in the host country. The current study extends prior research by examining the role of cross-cultural adjustment in engendering overall satisfaction of international students. Multiple regression analyses and mediation analyses were conducted with a sample of 1183 international students from 10 universities in five European countries and the USA. The findings show that English language proficiency, host country language proficiency and intercultural competence do not have a direct impact on student satisfaction; however, cultural adjustment fully mediates the effect of these three predictor variables on student satisfaction. Additionally, social support not only has a direct effect, but also an indirect effect on student satisfaction via cultural adjustment. We contribute to existing literature by uncovering the underlying mechanism for international students to achieve overall satisfaction through the pathways of language and cultural competence acquisition-application-satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for higher education institutions and policymakers of host countries on enhancing international student satisfaction. Universities can improve the learning experience by implementing peer learning and group learning methods that encourage students from diverse cultural backgrounds to collaborate. This approach promotes a more inclusive and enriched educational environment. Moreover, offering international students more opportunities to engage in cultural and social events within local communities, as well as internships with companies and organizations, can significantly enhance their overall satisfaction experience.