Culture Shock dalam Komunikasi Antarbudaya Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka Asal Pulau Jawa di Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This research entitled "Culture Shock in Intercultural Communication of Independent Student Exchange from Java Island at the University of North Sumatra”. The aim of this study is to understand the culture shock experiences of students participating in the Independent Student Exchange program from Java Island at USU, the obstacles faced by students from Java Island in the program at USU, and how students overcome these obstacles. The concepts used in this research include communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, culture shock, empathy, and the Independent Student Exchange program.This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, and the informant selection technique used is purposive sampling. After the data collection process and data saturation, 6 main informants and 2 triangulation informants were identified. Data validity in this research was ensured through source triangulation. The findings of this research indicate that students from Java Island in the Independent Student Exchange program experience culture shock in terms of traffic/food transportation and language. Communication obstacles faced by these students include the lack of responsiveness from USU students, difficulties in communication through media, obstacles within study groups, and cultural and communication style differences. Key elements that emerged to overcome obstacles during the Independent Student Exchange program and adapt to a new environment include support from around them such as lecturers and friends, self-confidence, a positive attitude toward cultural differences, acceptance of cultural differences, maintaining initial motivation, focusing on positive aspects, and self-acceptance.