CULTURE SHOCK DALAM KOMUNIKASI ANTARBUDAYA MAHASISWA ASING UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG (Studi Pada Mahasiswa Asing di Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)

This study aims to describe and analyze the phenomenon of culture shock in intercultural communication experienced by international students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study method, this research seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of international students’ communication experiences in academic and social contexts, as well as the cultural adaptation processes they undergo. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with international students selected using purposive sampling and were analyzed descriptively and interpretatively using Gudykunst’s Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (AUM) theory and Langer’s concept of mindfulness as analytical frameworks.
The findings reveal that culture shock among international students is complex and multidimensional, encompassing linguistic barriers, differences in high-context communication styles, norms of politeness, nonverbal communication, as well as physical conditions such as climate, weather, and dietary patterns. Linguistic barriers are not limited to insufficient proficiency in the Indonesian language, but also involve exposure to local language variations and difficulties in understanding implicit meanings and politeness norms in both social and academic communication. These conditions increase anxiety and uncertainty, which in turn affect international students’ confidence, spontaneity, and depth of communication. Furthermore, physical culture shock indirectly influences communication by reducing physical readiness and social energy for interaction.
Nevertheless, experiences of culture shock encourage international students to engage in reflection, reinterpretation, and the development of selective and contextual communication adaptation strategies. This study underscores that culture shock functions not only as a barrier but also as a transformative learning process that fosters intercultural communication competence. Through the management of anxiety and uncertainty and the development of mindfulness, international students demonstrate increased cultural sensitivity, communicative flexibility, and the ability to balance their cultural identities with local communication norms. Support from the multicultural campus environment further strengthens this adaptation process.