A Study of Cross Cultural Adaptability of Thai Students in China: a Case Study of Chinese Language Students, Rangsit University

Abstract

This research aimed to study the cross cultural adaptability of Thai students in China. It was a quantitative research. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by finding the mean () and standard deviation (S.D.) from the sample group of Thai students in China by purposive sampling, totaling 38 males and 35 females. They were Thai students in the 2+2, 2+1+1, and 3+1 programs of the Chinese Language Department, Rangsit University. 13 people participated in the 2-year program (2+2 program) and 25 people participated in the 1-year program (2+1+1 and 3+1). The results of the research found that the cross-cultural adaptability of Thai students was at a high level in all 5 dimensions: 1) Learning and understanding a new culture had a mean () of 3.70 and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 0.89, 2) Acceptance and understanding of differences mean () of 3.92 and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 0.69, 3) Building a supportive psychological network had a mean () of 3.98 and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 0.52, 4) Active communication had a mean () of 3.76 and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 0.75, and 5) Maintaining a positive attitude had a mean () of 4.08 and a standard deviation (S.D.) of 0.45.  The study Proposed guidelines for developing cross-cultural adaptability in 5 areas: 1) Socialization 2) Communication 3) Emotion management 4) Creativity and 5) Having a positive attitude.