Journal of Intercultural Communication Research· 2026Q1
The Relationships Between Social Contact Patterns, Intercultural Sensitivity and Adaptation of Chinese International Students in the UK
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Chinese international students' socio-cultural, psychological, and academic adaptation in the UK is positively associated with their interactions with co-nationals, host nationals, and other internationals, with interaction confidence and openness being key drivers.
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Key points
- Social contact with co-nationals, host nationals, and other internationals is linked to better adaptation for Chinese students in the UK.
- Interaction confidence and openness are positively correlated with socio-cultural, psychological, and academic adaptation.
- The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaires (N=102) and interviews (n=13).
- Student agency in adaptation was a central focus of the research.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This research examines the relationships between social contact patterns, intercultural sensitivity and three adaptation domains, specifically socio-cultural, psychological and academic adaptation, of Chinese international students in UK higher education. The study employed a mixed‑methods design, using questionnaires (N = 102) and interviews (n = 13), and took a different approach by regarding students’ agency in adaptation. Research findings reveal the complex relationships of contact and adaptation, with interactions with three contact sources (i.e. co-nationals, host nationals and internationals) being associated with adaptation. Interaction confidence and openness positively relate to adaptation. Based on findings, practical implications to support students are proposed.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Communication
CommunicationSocial Sciences