What Matters Most? A Meta-Analysis of Factors Associated with International Students’ Cross-cultural Adaptation in China

• In Event: International Studies SIG Structure Poster Session

Abstract

This meta-analysis systematically reviewed 30 empirical studies encompassing 336 effect sizes to examine factors associated with international students’ cross-cultural adaptation in China. Results showed that individual factors, such as psychosocial strengths and academic performance, showed strong positive correlations with psychological and overall adaptation. Among contextual factors, intercultural contact showed the strongest positive associations with both socio-cultural adaptation and overall adaptation. Cultural distance was the strongest negative indicator of psychological adaptation. Moreover, social support and host cultural orientation were strongly related to socio-cultural adaptation. In contrast, previous cultural experience showed the weakest significant association with both overall adaptation and psychological adaptation. The results highlight the importance of individual resources and host environment engagement in understanding adaptation patterns of international students in China.

Authors

• Siyuan Wang, Renmin University of China

• Weichen Zhang, Renmin University of China

• Xiang HU, Renmin University of China

• Li Lei, Renmin University of China