Cultural Adaptation of Indian Medical Students Studying in the Undergraduate Program in a Chinese Medical University: A Qualitative Research

• In Event: Contemplative inquiry, holistic learning, and compassionate dialogues across differences

Proposal

Indian overseas students have rapidly increased in number in mainland China, which has sparked a significant cultural interchange and strengthened international relations. Chinese society and universities must ensure Indian students' smooth integration into the national cultural landscape as the number of Indian students seeking higher education in China keeps growing. This qualitative study intends to explore the adaptation processes that Indian medical students go through in Chinese medical universities. This study aims to acquire a thorough knowledge of their emotional, psychological, and social adaptations and their views and thoughts throughout the cultural adaptation process by looking at their first-hand reports.

In-depth interviews and focus groups with Indian medical students currently enrolled in different undergraduate programs in Chinese medical universities will be used to conduct the research. We want to capture the subtle nuances of their cultural experiences, the difficulties they encounter, and the solutions they use to overcome those obstacles using qualitative methodologies. The study will reveal the various aspects of cultural adaptation through thematic analysis, illuminating the intricate relationships between cultural identity, social integration, and academic success.
The results of this study have significant ramifications for building intercultural understanding, enhancing the university experiences of international students in China, and encouraging international collaboration in higher education. This study aims to offer pertinent insights and recommendations to universities and educational institutions by recognizing the distinct difficulties faced by Indian medical students pursuing their education in China. These insights will help create supportive programs, cultural sensitivity training, and student services that can meet the various needs of international students.

The study's findings will also serve as a springboard for furthering attempts to internationalize higher education. Universities may improve their hiring practices and build a more inclusive and inviting atmosphere for students from different cultural origins by understanding the elements contributing to the successful adaption of Indian medical students in China. The study's findings will also help improve cross-border collaborations in education between China and India, developing cross-cultural student proficiency over the long term.

In conclusion, this qualitative study explores the experiences Indian medical students who are pursuing their undergraduate degrees in Chinese medical institutes have with cultural adaptation. The study intends to produce valuable insights that can aid the seamless integration of international students into the Chinese higher education system through an in-depth examination of their perceptions, feelings, and ideas during their adjustment process. This research paves the way for a more connected and peaceful global educational landscape by embracing the cultural diversity that enhances academic communities.

Author

• TINGTING ZHANG, The Education University of Hong Kong