IMPACT OF CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION ON SOCIAL INTEGRATION IN RWANDA. A CASE STUDY OF GABONESE STUDENTS AT KIGALI INDENDEPENT UNIVERSITY ULK (2021-2024) (2021-2024)

Abstract

The title of this work is ‘ʻImpact of cross-cultural communication on social integration in Rwanda case study of Gabonese students at Kigali Independent University ULK ’’. The research used qualitative approach to collect data that examine and reflect the perceptions on cross-cultural communication for social integration of Gabonese students at ULK. For this study two theories were used : (1) social integration theory and (2) social ecology theory; to explain and understand more the importance of the topic. The findings indicated that the role of intercultural communication skills in facilitating the social integration of Gabonese students at ULK is to understand each and everyone is the academic environment , understand courses, adaptation of the environment , ability exchange. The findings pointed out also the experiences regarding the challenges Gabonese face at ULK, such as lecturers speaking Kinyarwanda during courses, Rwandan students speaking Kinyarwanda more than English in class or out , Rwandan students that prefer not to mingle with foreigners. Besides, the university administration members speaking Kinyarwanda in front of students, no opportunity to practice English. The study suggested some recommendations including the administration leaders to put rules on the practice of English and ensure that those rules are applied by everyone, Rwandan students should give more importance to English and Gabonese students break away from being judgemental toward Rwandan students.