Settling in: Korean international students as English language learners in New Zealand

Abstract

This small-scale study examines the initial settlement period of Korean international students in New Zealand. Using Bour-dieu’s (2018) theory of social and cultural capital, the ethnographic research explores the settlement experiences of these students. The findings reveal that participants face significant challenges in adapting to new social and cultural practices, along with a notable lack of social support during this transition. Most prominently, they identify English language profi-ciency as the primary barrier to successful settlement. As both an insider and outsider, the researcher reflects on the par-ticipants' stories and analyzes them through the lens of her own experiences. The findings provide valuable insights for supporting the return of international students to countries such as New Zealand and the Republic of Korea in the post-pandemic era, with a particular focus on improving support services and enhancing sustainability.