Qualitative Study of the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Macao Students in Mainland China

Chia-Wen Lee,Zhi-Yu Tan,Weidong Wu,Cheng-Fu Yang

doi:10.3390/educsci10050128

Chia-Wen Lee, Zhi-Yu Tan + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10050128

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Abstract

Education research is increasingly paying attention to students’ cross-cultural adaption in Mainland China. As a special administrative region of China, educational systems and language of instruction of Macao are different from those of Mainland China. This study analyzes the cross-cultural adaptation of Macao students in Mainland China by using qualitative semi-structured interviews. The results show that study motivation, medium of instruction, and social integration are important factors determining how Macao students adapt to university programs. Failure to adapt to the language of instruction is the most direct, prominent, and enduring problem that Macao students encounter when studying in the Mainland. The current study’s findings have practical implications for faculties who provide support and training to Macao students in Mainland China. The study discovers that strengthening the Mandarin language skills of Macao students is currently a priority.

Highlights

The continuous changes in education standards among the universities and the rapid development of economic in China Mainland (Mainland) have spurred Macao students to pursue their studies at the universities
This study reveals that the same is true for Macao students who speak Cantonese in Mainland China campuses, where Mandarin is the preferred language for communication
The lack of adaptation to the language of instruction is the most direct, prominent, and enduring problem that Macao students tend to encounter when studying in the Mainland

Summary

Introduction

The continuous changes in education standards among the universities and the rapid development of economic in China Mainland (Mainland) have spurred Macao students to pursue their studies at the universities. As Macao students quickly adapt to the Mainland teaching environment and succeed in their studies, they attract more Macao students, which further deepen economic, social, and cultural exchanges between the two regions. Due to its sociohistorical backgrounds, people sent both to and from the Mainland may find themselves underprepared once they cross the border and engage in environments with fundamentally different cultural values and social norms [1]. Macao students continuing their studies at Mainland universities face adapting to the language of instruction, curriculum arrangement, and forms of evaluation. The adaptation of Macao students to higher education in the Mainland is a critical matter in advancing the practice of “One Country, Two

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