Abstract

Towards cross-cultural adaptation of international students: A case study of Chinese students in Finland

Author(s): Lin Cai, Luyan Teng

Globalization is rapidly becoming an integral part of people’s lives and this forces people to be confronted by different cultures, societies and living environments. This study aims to reveal the implications of this situation people traveling abroad are challenged by multiple aspects. This study aims at answering: How do Chinese students adapt to life & study in Kuopio in Finland? The purpose of the research is to find out the outstanding challenges and coping strategies of Chinese students study in a new cultural environment. To achieve this goal, this study is undertaken within the context of Savonia University of Applied Sciences at Kuopio in Finland. It attempts to investigate the unique academic and cultural experiences of the Chinese students, the perception of their own abilities, as well as their adaptation processes to a new environment. A qualitative research method is used in this study whilst the data-collecting techniques include questionnaires and individual interviews tracked both the common and unique experiences of with Chinese students. Data analysis has indicated several factors which have influenced their immersion into the Finnish campus life. While coping with the stress of culture shock and the ongoing challenge of living in Finland, the Chinese students select coping strategies, use of social support, and shifting views of self.