Understanding Intercultural Experiences of Chinese Graduate Students at U.S. Universities: Analysis of Cross-Cultural Dimensions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the experience of international graduate Chinese students in the U.S. The methodology included a focus group (n=8) and personal interviews (n=8) conducted at a southeastern university. This study revealed how international Chinese students dealt with differences in expectations for the classroom environment, excellence in schoolwork, and nonverbal norms during their time studying in the U.S. Gender theory and cross-cultural dimensions were utilized to explain the study results. The findings were consistent with three cross-cultural dimensions of Hofstede’s theory: Power Distance, Individualism versus Collectivism, and Indulgence versus Restraint. The study revealed that despite some cultural shifts demonstrated by newly introduced dimensions Collectivism-Individualism and Duty-Joy, cultural differences still caused challenges for the study participants. The results of this study provide additional insight into the behavior and acculturation process of international Chinese students and illustrate the benefits for universities to develop positive and productive experiences for these international students.

Cross-cultural Communication Strategies in the Digital Era: A Bibliometric Analysis

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Critical Discourse Analysis of Intercultural Communication through the Lens of Multiculturality and Interraciality

“…Thus, the findings from these fields are continually yielding intriguing insights based on the unique characteristics of language users. Regarding variability, it is apparent that studies in intercultural communication, identity construction, and critical discourse analysis are shaped by a multitude of variables that researchers employ (Sierra-Huedo & Foucart, 2022;Chudnovskaya & Millette, 2023). These variables, such as age, gender, ethnic origin, culture, status, and others, have been utilized in prior research to explain or understand phenomena under investigation.…”

When East Meets West: Polish Business Communication from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

“…Because Polish professionals have arrived on the global business landscape significantly later than their Western counterparts, we find it especially important to examine how they are perceived by their foreign-born colleagues. Our study is thus an examination of ways of observing (Bennett, 2013;Chudnovskaya & Millette, 2023;Hamilton & Kuchinka, 2022). We analyse the characteristics of linguistic behaviour that foreign professionals working in Poland attribute to their Polish colleagues based on their frame of reference.…”