| Abstract [eng] |
Filatov, A. Sociocultural Adaptation of South Asian Students at Vilnius University Community: Processes and Challenges / Alan Filatov, student of Contemporary Asian Studies; academic advisor assoc. prof. dr. K. Šliavaitė; Vilnius University. Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies. – Vilnius, 2026. – 78 p. Sociocultural Adaptation, South Asian Students, Thematic Analysis, Qualitative Study Master thesis delves into the processes and sociocultural challenges of South Asian students at Vilnius University community. The core aim of this research thesis is to outline the main adaptation stages and sociocultural challenges shaping integration to host academia and its environment. There are several tasks in the research context: emerging theoretical frameworks (Berry, 1997; Searle & Ward, 1990; Wilson, 2011) on international peer adaptation and identifying sociocultural challenges documented in European papers; underlining bureaucratic and administrative processes that arise at Vilnius University in the beginning period; analysing intercultural competences in interactions (students, staff & academic system) that cause challenges; identifying coping mechanisms and support systems that are available at the institution and host society. Empirical research was conducted from seven interviews using applied thematic analysis. Interviews revealed three core adaptation stages: Arrival & Starter Phase, Relationship Forging Phase, Individual Adjustment Phase. Key challenges reveal bureaucratic barriers, linguistic exclusion in peer lives, and constrained affecting social integration. Although, Vilnius University developed strong support organs, sample size identifies several gaps in accessibility, communication aspects and academic responsiveness. These findings benefit comparative studies on adaptation experiences across European Universities and embark essence for future longitudinal research tracking South Asian student adaptation over time. |
