Culture Shock and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of International Students in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Po-Han Hsu, 許博涵
• Other Authors: Su-Chiao Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/06675329095858247418

碩士 === 國立臺灣科技大學 === 應用外語系 === 105 === Forces of globalization have sped up the level of internationalization in higher education. In recent years, the number of international students studying in Taiwan has therefore remarkably increased. Due to cultural differences, international students might face culture shock and have adjustment problems. However, little research in Taiwan has been done to investigate culture shock and adjustment strategies. This study intends to do so and aims to explore culture shock and cross-cultural adaptation of international students in Taiwan and their adjustment strategies. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this study. There were 141 participants for the quantitative portion of the research and 9 participants for the qualitative portion. Data was collected from March 2017 to May 2017 by using close-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Results of this study showed that international students in Taiwan experienced higher degrees of culture shock on climate, food and eating habits, standard of cleanliness and transportation conveniences, while lower degrees of culture shock were experienced on concepts of being on time, festivals, dress code, and school regulations and classroom discipline. Moreover, it was found that generally speaking, international students adjusted themselves well in Taiwan. Although culture shock and adjustment problems were experienced, international students made good use of adjustment strategies in adjusting to the Taiwanese cultural environment.