ADAPTATION AND CULTURE SHOCK TO SOCIAL LIFE IN PARTICIPANTS OF THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM (PMM) AT POLITEKNIK NEGERI BATAM

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of adaptation and culture shock on the social life of participants in the Independent Student Exchange Program at Politeknik Negeri Batam. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 100 respondents, selected via purposive sampling from a population of 123 students. Questionnaires served as the primary data collection tool, and the analysis employed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results show that adaptation significantly enhances students' ability to build social interactions, while effective management of culture shock mitigates adjustment challenges. Institutional support, such as cultural orientation programs, plays a critical role in facilitating students’ social integration and improving their overall exchange experience. This research highlights the need for structured support systems to maximize the benefits of student exchange program.