The intercultural experiences of Chinese international students in the UK

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate a group of Chinese students' intercultural encounters studying in two articulation programmes in one British university and analyses the barriers that seem to exist between them, home and other international students. This research is qualitative in nature. Thematic analysis of sixteen Chinese students' interviews and reflective narratives were adopted. A core finding is that the power of the 'Chinese circle' provides this group with a comfortable zone but also presents a barrier to engaging in intercultural communication and developing more intercultural identities. Contributing factors to this pull of the Chinese circle include changing attitudes to English and Chinese language, negative intercultural experiences, and a lack of awareness of intercultural identity. It is suggested that universities should diversify their international recruitment, enhance intercultural education and training provided for all international students before and during their studies abroad.

Academic English Adaptation

“…Research, such as that by Zheng et al (2022), highlights the difficulties with intercultural identification and communication, especially for Chinese students. Furthermore, the importance of linguistic ability for the academic and social success of international students is emphasised by a systematic review of the effects of language and communication on adaptation.…”