The Effect of English Proficiency and Social Support on Academic Adjustment and Acculturative Stress Among International Students

In recent years, Malaysia has been attracting many international students to our public higher institution, which is expected to increase by the year 2025. This research objective examines the relationship between English proficiency and social support on academic adjustment and acculturative stress among international students. Guided by the Berry Acculturation Model (1997), this quantitative research design uses the survey method to collect data from the sample. A total of 129 data was collected. Results revealed a positive correlation between English proficiency and academic adjustment and a positive correlation between social support and academic adjustment, however no significant correlation on acculturation stress. Findings from multiple linear regression analysis further showed that English proficiency significantly predicted their academic adjustment. Neither main effects nor between-subjects effects of gender and length of stay in Malaysia is significant on students’ academic adjustment and acculturative stress. This research will contribute to the international students to increase their awareness of the importance of English proficiency and social support on academic adjustment. It also gives insight to the public higher institution to create support services and the community and local students can be aware of giving help to the international students.