Open Journal Systems

Factors influencing cross-cultural adaptation among international students in china: an empirical investigation

Xiaoxin Hou, Baharin Bin Abu

Article ID: 2944
Vol 9, Issue 8, 2024, Article identifier:

VIEWS - 80 (Abstract) 68 (PDF)

Abstract

With the booming development of international education, China has become an important destination for many international students. However, facing a brand new cultural environment, the cross-cultural adaptation problem of international students has become more and more prominent. Through an empirical investigation, this study aims to reveal the key factors affecting their adaptation process. Through a questionnaire survey this paper collected data from international students in China. The results of the analysis show that factors such as level of interpersonal interaction, Chinese language proficiency, cultural distance, time spent in China, and satisfaction all have a significant impact on international students' cross-cultural adaptation. This study not only provides new perspectives for understanding the process of international students' intercultural adaptation, but also explores the characteristics of sociocultural adaptation of international students in Chinese cultural and educational contexts through known antecedent factors.


Keywords

cross-cultural; cultural adaptation; international students; international education

Full Text:

PDF



References

1. MALLINCKRODT B, LEONG F T. (1992). International graduate students, stress, and social support. Journal of College Student Development,33(1):71-78.

2. GUDYKUNST W B, HAMMER M R. (1987). The influence of ethnicity, gender, and dyadic composition on uncertainty reduction in initial interactions. Journal of Black Studies, 18(2): 191-214.

3. Quinton, W. J. (2020). So close and yet so far? Predictors of international students’ socialization with host nationals. Internat. J. Intercult. Relat. 74, 7–16. doi: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2019.10.003.

4. Bochner,S.(1982). The social psychology of crosscultural relations. In S.Bochner(Ed.),Cultures in contact:Studies in cross-cultural interaction. UK:Pergamon Press.

5. Jacob,E.J, Greggo,J.W. (2001) . Using counselor training and collaborative programming strategies in working with internatio nal student.Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development: 73 -88.

6. CONNOR J W. (1974) . Acculturation and family continuities in three generations of Japanese Americans.Journal of Marriage and Family,36(1):159-165.

7. Titzmann, P. F., Brenick, A., and Silbereisen, R. K. (2015). Friendships fighting prejudice: A longitudinal perspective on adolescents’ cross-group friendships with immigrants. J Youth Adolescent 44, 1318–1331. doi: 10.1007/s10964-015- 0256-6.

8. SMALLEY W A. (1963). Culture shock, language shock, and the shock of self-discovery. Practical Anthropology,(10):49-56.

9. HIRAA. (2003). The brave new world of international education. The World Economy, 26(6):911-931. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9701.00554

10. BARRANTT M F, HUBA M E. (1994). Factors related to international undergraduate student adjustment in an American community . College Student Journal,28(4):422-436.

11. WARD C, MASGORET A. (2004). The experiences of international students in New Zealand: Report on the Results of a National Survey . Wellington: Ministry of Education.

12. WARD C, KENNEDY A. (1999). The measurement of sociocultural adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,23 (4):659-677.

13. BOCHNER S, BEVERLY M M, LIN A L. (1977). Friendship patterns of overseas students: A functional model. International Journal of Psychology,(12):277-294.

14. Berry J.W. (2005). Acculturation:Living Successfully in Two Cultures. International Journal of Inter cultural Relations,(6):701.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2005.07.013

15. Bruce R, Christine B, Christine B, Hyunah K, Eunice E. J. (2022). A mixed-method investigation into international university students’ experience with academic language demands. Higher Education, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2022.934692.

16. SEARLE W,WARD C. (1990). The prediction of psychological and sociocultural adjustment during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,14(4): 449-464.

17. HOUSE R J, HANGES P J, JAVIDAN M,et al.(2004). Culture, leadership, and organizations: The GLOBE study of 62 societies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

18. AKINNIYI G O. (1992).The effect of foreign students' perceptions of their relationship with the International Office of Personnel. College Student Journal,26(2):215-222.

19. GUTHRIE G M.A .(1975). Behavioral analysis of culture learning// BRISLIN R W,BOCHNER S, LONNER W J. Cross-cultural perspectives on learning. New York:Sage Publications:95-115.

20. OBERG K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology,7(4):177-182.

21. LYSGAARD S. (1955). Adjustment in a foreign society: Norwegian Fulbright grantees visiting the United States. International Social Science Bulletin,(7):45-51.

22. WARD C. (1996). Acculturation // LANDIS D , BHAGAT R (Eds.). Handbook of intercultural training (2nd ed.).Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage:124-147.

23. GAO G,GUDYKUNST W B. (1990).Uncertainty,anxiety, and adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,14(3):301-317.

24. WARD, C., Kim, I., Karl, J. A., Epstein, S., and Park, H.-J.(2020). How normative multiculturalism relates to immigrant well-being. Cult Dive. Ethnic Minor. Psychol. doi: 10.1037/cdp0000317.

25. Chen,S.X. (2015). Toward a social psychology of bilingualism and biculturalism. Asian Journal of Social Psychology,18(1):1-11.DOI:10.1111/ajsp.12088

26. Yanjin L, Yun S, Yun Y. (2022). Problems and countermeasures associated with intercultural adaptation in international education according to the communication action theory model. Educational Psychology, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942914.


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i8.2944
(80 Abstract Views, 68 PDF Downloads)

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2024 Xiaoxin Hou, Baharin bin Abu

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.