Amongst the Chinese: a qualitative inquiry into cross-cultural understanding

Abstract

With the development of the global economy and international communication, China is becoming a new destination in which to live and work for many Westerners. The aim of this project is to probe into the lived experience of our Western participants in China by each one's unique point of view in responses to living amongst the Chinese. My purpose is to describe the comprehension each participant has of China and its culture, exploring the further possibility of cross-cultural identity transformation. Information was collected from the participants during indepth interviews as a qualitative inquiry. By analysing and interpreting such interviews, this project attempts to demonstrate individual identity transformation through personal adaptations to living in a foreign culture. Such explorations indicate how some individuals approach a transcultural cosmopolitan identity, while others respond differently. The research could also provide possible insights into leadership in international education.