CULTURE SHOCK PADA KOMUNIKASI ANTARBUDAYA MAHASISWA ASAL BALIKPAPAN DI UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG

This study aims to explain culture shock in intercultural communication experienced by students from Balikpapan. This research emphasizes understanding cultural differences and promotes a more inclusive approach to intercultural communication.
Culture is related to the human way of life. the culture gap is caused by the anxiety that results from the loss of signs in socials. These signs include a thousand and one ways that we control ourselves in dealing with everyday situations. In the culture gap, it is important to increase understanding of cultural differences and promote a more inclusive approach to intercultural communication.
​Qualitative method research was used to analyze the cultural gap in overseas students from Balikpapan who experienced culture shock at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. Purposive sampling was used with a focus on overseas students of
Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang from Balikpapan City, whose purpose was to continue their studies temporarily in Malang, including those with variations in duration and semester.
​The results showed that awareness, equality, tolerance, and positive interpersonal communication can reduce intercultural communication barriers. In addition, overseas students experience four stages of culture shock, with culturation issues such as language, food, and character as the main obstacle in the second stage, which then requires time for recovery and adjustment.