Bridging Borders: Exploring Adaptation Enablers and Barriers for Non-Local Students in Hong Kong

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: International Student Adaptation and Cross-Cultural Identity (Table 12)

Abstract

International students who adapt to their host country have better psychological and academic outcomes. However, studies on international students focus on the Western context, with less focus on academic adaptation. This study focuses on psychological, socio-cultural, and academic adaptation of non-local students in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on ten non-local students from Mainland China. Academic adaptation barriers include the increased autonomy and English instruction. Socio-cultural adaptation barriers include cultural differences and stereotypes. Psychological adaptation barriers include loneliness and a lack of support network. These results highlight the importance of international students’ academic adaptation. The changing political climate and the blend of East and West in Hong Kong lend unique perspectives on the adaptation challenges of non-local students.

Authors

• Peiqi Huang, University of British Columbia

• Cherry Eron Frondozo, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Ronnel B. King, Chinese University of Hong Kong