Environment and Social Psychology

The role of cross-cultural adaptation in shaping career self-concept and development among Chinese ESP students in Thailand

Tian zhao

Chinese International College, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok,10210, Thailand

Yongjiu Gao

Faculty of Education, Binzhou Polytechnic,BinZhou, 256600, China.

Pengfei Chen

Chinese International College, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok,10210, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i7.3813

Keywords: ESP students, cross-cultural adaptation, career self-concept, career development, language-cultural co-development, Chinese international students in Thailand

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Abstract

This study investigates how cross-cultural adaptation shapes the formation of career self-concept and career development pathways among Chinese ESP (English for Specific Purposes) students in Thailand. Grounded in Super’s career development theory and Kim’s integrative theory of cross-cultural adaptation, the study examines how linguistic adjustment, academic integration, and sociocultural interaction contribute to transforming intercultural experiences into professional cognition and motivational resources. A sample of 511 Chinese ESP students in Thailand participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Data was analyzed using regression and mediation analyses. Findings reveal that cross-cultural adaptation significantly predicts both career self-concept and career development, with career self-concept serving as a partial mediator. Additionally, female students and those at higher educational levels demonstrated significantly greater career development outcomes, suggesting that demographic background plays a moderating role. This research underscores the importance of the co-development of linguistic and cultural adaptation in constructing career awareness and provides empirical evidence to support international education and career guidance in ESP contexts.

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