The Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Students in Thailand
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the cultural adaptation of Chinese students in Thailand, focusing on the problems, challenges, adaptation strategies, and proposed measures for improving institutional policies that support international students. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with 15 Chinese students who had been studying at Thai universities for no less than three months, regardless of their academic disciplines. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with participants recruited via university lecturers who identified appropriate informants based on predetermined criteria. The interviews were conducted in both Thai and Chinese, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and presented descriptively.
The findings revealed that Chinese students faced four major areas of difficulty: (1) language and communication, as most participants lacked foundational Thai language skills, which created obstacles in both academic and daily contexts; (2) educational differences, with Thai universities emphasizing active learning approaches, contrasting with the lecture-based methods commonly practiced in China; (3) lifestyle-related challenges, including unfamiliar food, climate, and inconvenient public transportation systems; and (4) cultural differences, particularly in social norms and interpersonal interactions within Thai society.
To cope with these challenges, students adopted several adaptation strategies, such as learning Thai through peer interaction and online resources, using translation applications, participating in university activities to improve language proficiency and build social networks, adjusting dietary habits, planning travel routes more effectively, and gaining cultural knowledge through observation and engagement with local individuals.
The study recommended that Thai universities provide introductory Thai language courses and cultural orientation programs to enhance international students' understanding of Thai society. Additionally, Chinese students were encouraged to acquire basic language skills and familiarize themselves with life in Thailand prior to their arrival.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The articles published are copyrighted by the Graduate School, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.
The opinions expressed in each article of this academic journal are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the views of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University or its faculty members. The responsibility for the content of each article rests entirely with the respective authors. In the event of any errors, the authors alone are responsible for their own articles.
References
Chareonrook, D. (2024). Communication and cultural adaptation of first year Chinese students, Communication Arts Program of International Rangsit University. Journal of Communication Arts Review, 28(1), 40–51. [In Thai]
Huang, S. Y. (2021). The intercultural adaptations of Chinese students in a Thai international university. Interdisciplinary Research Review, 16(5), 8–13.
Jiang, S., Xu, T., Li, H., Li, M., & Wang, H. (2024). Modeling the societal adaptation and challenge: Living experience of Chinese students studying in Thailand higher education institutions. Rajapark Journal, 18(59), 27–49.
Kang, S., Yossuck, P., Panyadee, C., & Ek-lem, B. (2020). Chinese students’ cross-cultural adaptation process and their main difficulties encountered while studying in the upper northern Thai universities. Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies, 20(2), 343–372.
Kedsaboot, J. (2025). Trends in quantitative and qualitative changes of Chinese students in Thailand from 2019 to 2024. Journal of Social Science Development, 8(6), 350–361. [In Thai]
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). (2024). Number of international students in the first semester of academic year 2567. Retrieved from https://info.mhesi.go.th/stat_std_new.php?search_year=2567
Nong, W. & Chayanuvat, A. (2024). Intercultural adaptation of Chinese students studying in Thailand: A case of a Thai private university. Rangsit Journal of Educational Studies, 11(2), 59–79.
Nukitrangsan, K. & Chantaraphaha, K. (2021). A preliminary study on Chinese students in Thailand. Bangkok: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). [In Thai]
Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical Anthropology, 7(4), 177-182.
Rakkiattiyod, K., Pewnil, T., Namwat, T., & Khueankob, S. (2017). Cultural adaptation, learning, and communication among Chinese students in Phetchaburi Rajabhat University. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Mahasarakham University, 36(2), 60-72. [In Thai]
Rybo-LoPresti, B. & Rhein, D. (2021). A qualitative analysis of academic and cultural adjustment: American students in Thailand, what can be done for them?. SAGE Open, 11(1), 1–10.
Songsirisak, P. (2018). Cross-cultural adaptation of Chinese students: Problems and solutions. Journal of Educational Research, Faculty of Education, Srinakharinwirot University, 13(2), 221–233.
Tamkan, Y. (2020). Cultural adaptation of Lao and Vietnamese students in Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. KKU Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (Graduate Studies), 8(1), 89-102. [In Thai]
Thanuttamanon, B. (2021). Success factors affecting the decision to study at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi of Chinese students. Journal of Arts Management, 5(2), 529–539.
Utama, N., Phenthong, A., Nartwitchakorn, N., & Jaronsukwimol, N. (2019). Adaptation on culture, learning, and communication of Chinese students studying a master’s degree on Physical Education Program in Institute of Physical Education Chonburi Campus, 2017 Academic Year. Academic Journal Institute of Physical Education, 11(1), 304-311. [In Thai]
Wu, D. (2020). A study on the influencing factors of international students' major selection ：A case study of Chinese University students studying in Thailand. (Master's thesis, Krirk University International College). [In Chinese]
Yang, X. (2022). Influencing factors for Chinese students to choose private universities in Bangkok and its surrounding areas for undergraduate study. (Master’s Independent study, Business Administration, Bangkok University).
