Prior cross cultural exposure and cross-cultural adaptation of Asian and non-Asian international students in China

Past research has focused primarily on the cross-cultural adaptation of expatriates upon arrival in the host country, but few studies have explored the prior cross-cultural contact and adjustment experiences of international students. This study examined the impact of prior cross-cultural exposure on the cross-cultural adaptation of Asian and non-Asian international students with varying lengths of stay in China. The analysis of questionnaire data from 430 international students (77.44% Asian, 22.56% non-Asian) in western China revealed that both groups had limited prior cross-cultural exposure. Cross-cultural adaptation increased over time in China. Interestingly, non-Asian students had better cross-cultural adaptation in the first three months than Asian students did because of better preparation, but subsequently faced more crises in adjustments that eased past the two-year point. The findings suggest the need for pre-departure cross-cultural training to consider cultural distance and the transition phase.