Abstract
As friendship is a significant aspect of human nature, international students who study abroad are bound to experience a different social setting and might encounter changes in their friendship practices, especially with their close ones. Hence, the characteristics or qualities for maintaining close friendships despite being geographically separated and having limitations on practising intimacy were explored in this study. By using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 postgraduate international students from various countries studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia, the findings revealed several key elements that contribute to the formation of close friendships. These include trust, similarity, dependability, and support. Through a sociological lens, the study delved deeper into how these characteristics emerge from the participants' friendship experiences. This study also highlights the challenges of intimacy practices among international students in their long-distance close friendships. By examining how intimacy is understood and cultivated in these relationships across different cultures, the research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of maintaining close friendships during temporary periods of mobility abroad, as well as throughout one's lifetime.
Author Information
Nur Hafeeza Ahmad Pazil, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Julia Abyana Aziya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Paper Information
Conference: ACE2023
Stream: Challenging & Preserving: Culture
This paper is part of the ACE2023 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Pazil N., Hashim I., & Aziya J. (2024) Challenges in Practicing Intimacy and Maintaining Close Friendships Across Geographical Boundaries: A Study of International Students at Universiti Sains Malaysia ISSN: 2186-5892 The Asian Conference on Education 2023: Official Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2024.61
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2024.61
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