Missing intercultural engagements in the university experiences of Chinese international students in the UK. Issue 4 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Yun; Moskal, Marta
• Is Part Of: Compare. Volume 49:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 654
• Page End: 671
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: University diversity -- intercultural engagement -- Chinese International students' comparison -- China -- UK; Comparative education -- Periodicals; 370.9
• DOI: 10.1080/03057925.2018.1448259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-7925

Abstract

Abstract: This paper looks at structural conditions or institutional arrangements that facilitate or hinder interactions for international students. Drawing on the contact and diversity theory, analyses compare Chinese students' intercultural experience in business and non-business schools in one UK university and explore how these students interpret the meaning of quality intercultural contact based on their responses to the social environment around them. Findings indicate that the overwhelming number of Chinese students, particularly in business schools, combined with obstacles these students face in establishing intercultural contact around the university potentially motivates them to explore engagement with a wider host society (e.g. Christian churches). The denial of intercultural contact due to a lack of diverse environment may lead to inequality in opportunities for cross-cultural learning and personal growth. High quality intercultural contact is not only beneficial to international students, it also enhances the intercultural competency of native students in the global market place.