The acculturation experience of Chinese international students in South Korea: Coping and perceived changes in the cultural transition
Abstract
This study examined coping strategies and perceived changes of the Chinese international students in South Korea. A total of 56 Chinese students participated and data was analyzed using the concept mapping method. The results showed that Chinese international students adopted developing language proficiency and using social networks as important coping strategies. They also perceived a wide range of changes including changes in the cultural and personal self. However, the perception of these coping strategies and changes differed by the length of stay. Chinese international students who stayed longer reported using specific coping strategies for mood regulation, which was distinctive from the coping strategies used by students who stayed for a shorter period of time. Students who stayed longer perceived negative changes as well as positive changes, while students who stayed for a shorter period reported predominantly positive changes. The findings indicate that university staff needs to understand and sensitively respond to the distinctive experiences of Chinese international students which vary across time.
- keywords
- 중국인 유학생, 문화적응, 대처전략, 지각된 변화, Chinese international students, South Korea, acculturation, coping, perceived changes, Chinese international students, South Korea, acculturation, coping, perceived changes
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