Self-Career Management as a Mediator Between Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Career Development Among Chinese Students in Thailand

Objective: This study examines the impact of cross-cultural adaptation on career development among Chinese international students in Thailand, with self-career management serving as a mediating factor. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 511 Chinese international students in Thailand using validated scales. A structured questionnaire served as the data collection method. Statistical analyses, including regression analysis and bootstrapping for mediation testing, were conducted using SPSS and PROCESS software. Findings: Cross-cultural adaptation positively influences career development (β=.692, p<.001), with self-career management serving as a partial mediator (indirect effect =.290, p<.001). Significant differences in cross-cultural adaptation were observed based on gender (p<.001), educational level (p<.001), and length of stay (p<.001). Conclusion: Cross-cultural adaptation significantly enhances career development, with self-career management playing a mediating role. Findings emphasize the need for universities and policymakers to implement targeted interventions to support international students. However, given the study’s cross-sectional nature, further longitudinal research is necessary.