Cross-Cultural Adaptation of African Students in China under the Belt and Road Initiative: A Case Study of Egypt, Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Uganda

With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China–Africa educational cooperation has intensified, leading to a steady increase in the number of African students studying in China. However, due to differences in cultural backgrounds and value systems, many African students face challenges in adapting to life in China. Using a literature review methodology, this study examines the cultural backgrounds of African students in China and identifies key challenges they face in adapting to daily life, academics, mental health, and interpersonal communication. The analysis further explores how these difficulties are rooted in cultural differences. Drawing on these findings, the study proposes strategies to enhance cultural adaptation, including strengthening social and cultural integration, optimizing academic support, developing peer and psychological support systems, and improving policy safeguards. The goal is to improve African students' adaptive capacity, foster mutual understanding between China and Africa, and advance international educational cooperation.