PENGUATAN PERILAKU SOSIAL MAHASISWA RANTAU DI MEDAN MELALUI PROGRAM ADAPTASI SOSIAL BERBASIS PENDIDIKAN ORANG DEWASA

Abstract

Overseas students are individuals who pursue higher education outside their hometowns and are required to adapt to different social and cultural environments. This adaptation process often creates challenges such as communication difficulties, culture shock, differences in habits, and the need to become more independent. This study aims to analyze the social behavior changes of overseas students in Medan and describe the implementation of the program “Mature in Attitude, Adaptive in Environment, Independent in Life” as an effort to strengthen students’ social behavior. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving 10 migrant students in Medan who were selected through purposive sampling. The participants were students originating from outside Medan and had experienced social and cultural adaptation processes while pursuing their studies. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations during program implementation, and documentation of participants’ behavioral change commitment forms. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that students experienced positive changes in communication skills, cultural tolerance, adaptability, and independence. Based on these findings, a socialization program focusing on maturity, adaptability, and independence was implemented. The results showed that participants were able to identify behaviors that needed improvement and formulate behavioral change commitments to be applied in their daily lives. The program contributed positively to strengthening students’ awareness of adaptive, mature, and independent social behavior. This study contributes to the development of adult education approaches in strengthening students’ adaptive social behavior within intercultural academic environments.