A qualitative grounded theory study of Saudi female students: reentry, re-adaptation, and cultural integration

Abstract

Since the King Abdullah Scholarship Program was initiated in 2006, more than 50,000 Saudi women are studying abroad. Each year hundreds of Saudi female students are returning every year from a study abroad experience from a western country. However, there is a lack of research examining their reentry experience and its effect on their re-adaptation and cultural integration. This study analyzes how the participants adapted the learned skills and communication style from the host culture to their home culture. Qualitative methods were used to explore the re-adaptation and cultural integration experience of the reentry experience. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve returned Saudi female students. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the interviews, with Kim’s (2001) integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation (ITCCA) providing the theoretical framework for the analysis. This research provided an insight into the Saudi women experience, by examining their pre-entry characteristics, intercultural transformation, communication competence, and the formation of their intercultural personhood. Further, to help minimize the returners’ challenges and maximize their benefits. The reentry consolation program and reentry-training program that I proposed would help the returners understand the faced challenges to better adjust and grow in their home culture. Also, it will help the returners reflect in their professional lives and better understand their work environment to help enhance and integrate their skills to maximize their productivity.