CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF CROATIAN EXPATRIATES

This study attempts to distinguish psychological and sociocultural forms of adjustment during the process of cross-cultural transitions. It will show how culture shock is in influenced by personality of Croatian expatriates, what the in influential factors are and how is going socio- and psycho-cultural adjustment on the new culture. Results from empirical data indicate that there are clear differences between some of demographic factors and cross-cultural adaptation. Gender shows significant difference in a relation to critical thinking which is a part of psychological adjustment. Education level shows differences among socio- cultural adaptation overall score, behavioral adaptation, openness and critical thinking. Monthly income has an impact on flexibility. Length of stay shows differences in a relation to emotional regulation and critical thinking. On the other hand cognitive adaptation correlates with critical thinking.