Interacting with Peers: Lived Experiences of English-Speaking Students

Peer interaction plays an essential role in students’ academic and social lives, especially in multilingual settings. English-speaking students, however, often encounter unique experiences as they interact with peers who primarily use other local languages. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of English-speaking students at Assumption College of Nabunturan in interacting with their peers. Six participants, composed of senior high school and college students, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that English-speaking students experience both positive and challenging interactions with their peers. Major challenges include language barriers, misunderstandings, feelings of isolation, and difficulty adjusting to different language preferences. Despite these challenges, the students employed various coping mechanisms and strategies such as code-switching, adjusting their communication style, seeking peer support, and continuously learning other languages. The study also highlighted important insights gained by the participants regarding acceptance, adaptability, confidence, and the value of effective communication in a multilingual environment. The findings suggest the need for a more supportive and inclusive learning environment that recognizes linguistic diversity and promotes healthy peer interaction.