THE SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION OF SHORT COURSE THAI STUDENTS IN CHINESE UNIVERSITIES
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Abstract
While research on international students is expanding, little attention has been paid to those taking short courses abroad, especially those in neighboring countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of factors influencing the sociocultural adaptation of short-course Thai students in Chinese universities comprising language profciency, acculturation attitudes, and friendships with the locals. Based on survey data collected from 2015 to 2019 and through a generalized structural equation modelling analysis, this study found that proactive attitudes toward the host culture and people led to fewer sociocultural difculties, both directly, and indirectly through the help of local friends. Language profciency, on the other hand, was not found to have an impact on the sociocultural adaptation of short-term international students, as the students could be surrounded by attentive caregivers from both the host and home universities. This study enriches the understanding of the intercultural experiences of short-course international students in neighboring Asian countries and can beneft various stakeholders.
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