Culture Shock among Thai Students at UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi: A Qualitative Case Study of Linguistic, Academic, and Sociocultural Adjustment

Abstract

This study investigates culture shock experienced by Thai students at UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, an Islamic university in Indonesia where local and international students interact daily in academic and social settings. Although many Thai students anticipate a supportive religious environment and perceive cultural proximity through shared Malay Islamic elements, they still encounter differences in language use, communication styles, classroom norms, and everyday campus routines that can undermine confidence and participation. Using a qualitative case study approach, culture shock is conceptualized as a dynamic adjustment process shaped by the interaction between personal expectations and host environment demands. The study documents four salient domains of culture shock: linguistic challenges related to informal Indonesian and local accents, academic culture emphasizing active participation and presentations, peer interaction norms involving humor and greeting practices, and practical lifestyle adjustments in daily living. The analysis also identifies coping pathways that support adaptation, including strengthening communication with local peers, engaging in campus activities, improving Bahasa Indonesia gradually, and relying on support within the Thai student community. The findings offer implications for student services and teaching practices in Islamic higher education, highlighting the need for culturally responsive orientation, targeted language scaffolding for classroom interaction, structured peer mentoring, and inclusive learning environments that reduce anxiety while fostering intercultural competence.