Navigating Language, Food, and Transportation: The Cross-Cultural Experiences of Chinese Students in Thailand
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| Title: | Navigating Language, Food, and Transportation: The Cross-Cultural Experiences of Chinese Students in Thailand |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yu Zhang, Supot Rattanapun |
| Source: | Online Submission. 2026. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Undergraduate Students, Study Abroad, Cultural Differences, Food, Transportation, Language Usage, Barriers, Language Proficiency, Interpersonal Relationship, Chinese, Thai, English (Second Language) |
| Geographic Terms: | China, Thailand |
| Abstract: | With the accelerating globalization of higher education, an increasing number of Chinese undergraduate students are choosing Thailand as their study-abroad destination, attracted by its unique cultural heritage, affordable educational costs, and diverse academic programs. However, cross-cultural adaptation remains a pivotal challenge for these students, as they encounter significant differences in language, food culture, and daily transportation compared to their home country. This study aims to explore the cross-cultural adaptation experiences of Chinese undergraduate students studying in Thailand, with a specific focus on three core dimensions: language barriers, food cultural differences, and transportation-related challenges. A qualitative research design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 second-year Chinese students enrolled in a business administration program at a leading university in Thailand. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling to ensure diversity in gender, academic performance, and regional backgrounds in China. The findings of this study indicate that Chinese students predominantly relied on Chinese as their primary language of communication within their social circles, with limited engagement in English or Thai in both academic and daily contexts. This limited language proficiency significantly hindered their academic performance--particularly in understanding technical terminology, participating in class discussions, and interacting with faculty--and impeded their social integration with local Thai students and communities. Many participants reported specific difficulties in English vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency, which were largely attributed to the traditional focus on reading and writing in English education in China, rather than practical speaking practice. Regarding food culture, the study revealed mixed adaptation experiences among the participants. A considerable number of students struggled to adapt to the distinct flavor profile of Thai cuisine, which is characterized by its combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty tastes, often featuring ingredients such as lemongrass, chili peppers, and fish sauce. Some students even avoided Thai food entirely and sought out Chinese restaurants to maintain their dietary habits. In contrast, other students gradually adapted to Thai food and incorporated it into their daily diet, viewing it as an integral part of their cross-cultural experience. Additionally, a small number of participants noted that the portion sizes of Thai meals were smaller than expected, which occasionally led to feelings of dissatisfaction. In terms of transportation, the study found that it was not a major barrier for most students, as the majority resided in university dormitories or off-campus accommodation close to the campus, allowing them to walk to classes and nearby amenities. However, the hot and humid climate in Thailand caused minor discomforts for some students when traveling outdoors, and public transportation in certain areas was reported to be less convenient during peak hours. This study contributes to the existing literature on cross-cultural adaptation of international students by providing empirical insights into the specific challenges faced by Chinese students in Thailand. The findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as enhancing language training programs, providing cultural adaptation workshops, and offering support services related to food and daily life, can significantly improve the cross-cultural experience of Chinese students studying in Thailand. These interventions can also help Thai universities attract and retain more international students, thereby promoting the internationalization of higher education in Thailand. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED679419 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | With the accelerating globalization of higher education, an increasing number of Chinese undergraduate students are choosing Thailand as their study-abroad destination, attracted by its unique cultural heritage, affordable educational costs, and diverse academic programs. However, cross-cultural adaptation remains a pivotal challenge for these students, as they encounter significant differences in language, food culture, and daily transportation compared to their home country. This study aims to explore the cross-cultural adaptation experiences of Chinese undergraduate students studying in Thailand, with a specific focus on three core dimensions: language barriers, food cultural differences, and transportation-related challenges. A qualitative research design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 second-year Chinese students enrolled in a business administration program at a leading university in Thailand. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling to ensure diversity in gender, academic performance, and regional backgrounds in China. The findings of this study indicate that Chinese students predominantly relied on Chinese as their primary language of communication within their social circles, with limited engagement in English or Thai in both academic and daily contexts. This limited language proficiency significantly hindered their academic performance--particularly in understanding technical terminology, participating in class discussions, and interacting with faculty--and impeded their social integration with local Thai students and communities. Many participants reported specific difficulties in English vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency, which were largely attributed to the traditional focus on reading and writing in English education in China, rather than practical speaking practice. Regarding food culture, the study revealed mixed adaptation experiences among the participants. A considerable number of students struggled to adapt to the distinct flavor profile of Thai cuisine, which is characterized by its combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty tastes, often featuring ingredients such as lemongrass, chili peppers, and fish sauce. Some students even avoided Thai food entirely and sought out Chinese restaurants to maintain their dietary habits. In contrast, other students gradually adapted to Thai food and incorporated it into their daily diet, viewing it as an integral part of their cross-cultural experience. Additionally, a small number of participants noted that the portion sizes of Thai meals were smaller than expected, which occasionally led to feelings of dissatisfaction. In terms of transportation, the study found that it was not a major barrier for most students, as the majority resided in university dormitories or off-campus accommodation close to the campus, allowing them to walk to classes and nearby amenities. However, the hot and humid climate in Thailand caused minor discomforts for some students when traveling outdoors, and public transportation in certain areas was reported to be less convenient during peak hours. This study contributes to the existing literature on cross-cultural adaptation of international students by providing empirical insights into the specific challenges faced by Chinese students in Thailand. The findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as enhancing language training programs, providing cultural adaptation workshops, and offering support services related to food and daily life, can significantly improve the cross-cultural experience of Chinese students studying in Thailand. These interventions can also help Thai universities attract and retain more international students, thereby promoting the internationalization of higher education in Thailand. |
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