Social Media Use and Adaptation Among Chinese Students Beginning to Study in the United States

• In Event: Intercultural Research in Cultural Adaptation

Abstract

Chinese international students undertake a life changing venture; one that produces numerous benefits for both the Chinese students and the American people, yet is also fraught with hardships and struggle. Prior literature shows that large and diverse social networks are ideal for increasing international students’ adaptation. Using an online questionnaire administered to 71 international Chinese students studying in the U.S., we explored the potential impact that the utilization of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) could have on the construction of such social networks, when used during study abroad preparation. We found that students who used American SNSs more often during their study abroad preparations had more diverse social networks abroad, than students who used American SNSs less often or not at all. Students with larger and more diverse social networks reported significantly higher levels of social and academic adaptation to the host culture.

Authors

• Eric Forbush, Northwestern University

• Brooke Foucault Welles, Northeastern U