Investigation of cross-cultural transition: Adaptation of Russian exchange students to the Dutch culture

Abstract

Dutch universities offer high-quality education and are famous for their exalted positions in various world university rankings. This fact, together with the international orientation of Dutch universities and the availability of a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes offered in English, make them attractive to students from all over the globe, including Russian ones. One of those Dutch universities interested in collaborating with their Russian counterparts is Maastricht University. This paper will attempt to provide useful information to Maastricht University regarding the intercultural and academic problems of Russian students in the Netherlands. The problems experienced by Russian students during their cross-cultural transition in terms of culture shock and adaptation to the new cultural environment are investigated using qualitative research methods. Special attention is given to the coping strategies the students use, the types of social support they seek, and their satisfaction with the support provided by the Maastricht University staff. The students themselves also provided recommendations aimed at improving the experience of Russian students in Maastricht. Russian students seem to experience two kinds of problems in the Netherlands: culture-related ones and academic ones. These problems are caused by differences in cultural values, communication style and interpersonal communication with the host country’s nationals. The academic problems include inadequate English language skills and the Problem-Based teaching approach used by Maastricht University. The coping strategies employed by the students include seeking social support for practical reasons, active coping, positive reinterpretation and growth, planning and mental disengagement. The students first seek social support from their compatriots and only then turn for help to the host country’s nationals. Despite their high satisfaction with the support provided by the Maastricht University staff, the students recommended placing Russian students with Dutch nationals, encouraging Russian students to participate in social activities, and providing useful cultural and general information about the Netherlands before or immediately after the students’ arrival.