The Journey of Learning a Second Language: A Case Study of International Students Residing in the US for the Purpose to Learning English and Undergo Culture Shock

Abstract

The study at hand analyzes the results from a study using a Qualitative method. The study made use of recorded interviews of 4 second language learners of English from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who had attended language courses in various parts of the United States. The data displays several themes that are carried throughout the interviews confirming specific expectations prior to their arrival and clash with American culture, while then displaying discrepancies in what was expected and symptoms of the phenomenon known as “Culture shock”. The research conducted aims to generate and analyze the themes the participants expressed in their experiences and interactions with the new culture.