An Analysis of Anxiety Management for Foreigners During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Bali based on Intercultural Communication Perspective

Abstract

Intercultural communication is a medium to connect people from different cultural backgrounds in initiating an interaction. One of the realizations of intercultural communication is visiting foreign tourists who came to Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic for the first time.  The lack of official and up-to-date information about the COVID-19 situation in Bali in English makes it difficult for foreign tourists to receive the correct information. Situations like this can lead to disorientation, misunderstanding, stress, and anxiety. Differences in the cultural background such as language limitations between locals and foreigners, behaviours, habits, different social norms make one of the causes of anxiety among foreigners while living in Bali.  Based on these facts, this research uses a qualitative descriptive method to observe foreign tourists manage anxiety in intercultural communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Bali. Data collection techniques used in this research are by in depth-interviews and participant observation. The primary data obtained will be tested for its validity through triangulation of data sources. AUM theory becomes a medium in analysis the management of anxiety carried out by foreign tourists during the adaptation process in Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic.