@phdthesis{Cookson2021, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Tyler Cookson}, title = {Acculturation of self-initiated expatriates in periphery regions}, doi = {10.25924/opus-4042}, pages = {IX, 86}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the of self-initiated expatriates prior to and during acculturation to life in a smaller periphery region such as Vorarlberg, Austria. By providing insights into their lived experience this research aims to fill in the gaps of missing information on motivators, success factors to adjustment, issues, and stressors, and more that SIEs experience when adjusting. Specifically, what items promote adjustment and what items hinder adjustment. Findings: Developed a better understanding of how and what motivational factors lead to expatriation. Furthermore, that opportunities arise by chance. During acculturation, language factors (dialect), cultural differences act as stressors. While social support, and organizational support, learning of the language act as promoters of acculturation. Further Research could be done including ethnicities, SIEs moving from developed to developing countries, adjustment in regions with dialect vs no dialect. Key words: self-initiated expatriates, expatriation, acculturation, adjustment, promoting acculturation, hindering acculturation.}, language = {en} }