Paths to cultural adjustment: A configurational analysis of individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors in the experiences of international students

International students travel across borders in search of opportunities for intercultural learning and growth. However, their success is often impeded by language barriers, cultural differences, and adaptation challenges. Although the role of language in cultural adjustment is well-documented, the specific conditions that facilitate this process remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of forty-one structured interviews with international students in a non-Anglophone country. Findings reveal the interplay of individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors that lead to successful adjustment. Notably, fsQCA identified English proficiency, communication with co-ethnics, and a perceived inclusive climate as necessary conditions for adjustment. Necessary condition analysis (NCA) further defined their large and significant effects and identified bottleneck levels below which adjustment does not occur. The study delineates three conceptually distinct profiles of culturally successful students—cultural integrators, enclavers, and separators—providing a nuanced understanding of diverse adjustment pathways. This research advances understanding of the interdependence among individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors in cultural adjustment, offering practical recommendations for international students and academic stakeholders.