Using critical incidents to investigate cross-cultural transitions

The process of cross-cultural transition is of interest to researchers who attempt to uncover factors that lead to sojourner adjustment and cross-cult ural effectiveness. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the perceived stressors and coping strategies of Canadian post-secondary studen ts during a 7-week cross-cultural Seminar program in Vietnam. Using a criti cal incidents methodology, the study tracked both the common and unique exp eriences of students. Specific critical incidents were collected from stude nts at six time points regarding experiences that were stressful, selected coping strategies, use of social support, shifting views of self and perspe ctives about international development. Results from the study are discusse d with suggestions for pre-departure training programs and the use of criti cal incidents as a tool for understanding cross-cultural transitions. Canad ian Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.