Cultural change is a stressful process that is associated with higher risk of both mental and physical illness. These associations vary among people, with refugees having a higher risk than immigrants, who in turn have a higher risk than sojourners. In this study, the psychosocial adaptation of Saudi students and their spouses in Canada was investigated. 368 potential Ss received a mailed-out questionnaire with questions on demographic data and mode of adaptation and the (SCL-90-R) to measure psychological disturbances. Response rate was 55.7%. The results show that more male Ss were involved in formal training and were able to speak the English language, compared to female Ss. Approximately one-third had some relationship to Canadians, while almost all had maintained close contact with other Saudis. There was a reduction in religious observance but not personal habits and behaviours. One-third fulfilled the criteria for caseness on the (SCL-90-R). Differences between males and females are discussed along with other findings in cultural context.