Classroom Culture Shock: A Study of American Students at an International University in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study classroom culture shock and factors that influenced the classroom culture shock of American students at an international university in Thailand. The sample consisted of 15 American students of Year 1-4 at an international university in Thailand. Data were collected through interviews. The results showed that 1) American students experienced classroom culture shock as follows: (1) American students required low power distance and preferred asking questions and having a discussion with teachers, (2) American students preferred individualism with self-confidence, and were able to decide and express own opinions without any distraction, (3) American students were low uncertainty avoidance with confidence to express own opinion even if there were some uncertainties, (4) American students had future long-term plans and carefully thought about the benefits and knowledge from enrolling a subject rather than grade. 2) Factors that influenced the classroom culture shock of the students were the difference in perceptions and ways of thinking among Thai and American students.