Exploring Intercultural Sensitivity among Chinese Undergraduates at a Thai University
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Abstract
In response to the internationalization of higher education, the number of Chinese students studying in Thai universities has increased in recent years. This has resulted in rising intercultural communication challenges. Accordingly, this mixed-methods study aims to understand Chinese students’ intercultural sensitivity and gain further information about their intercultural interactions while studying at a Thai university. Specifically, we sampled the perspectives of 51 Chinese undergraduate enrolled in one large Thai university in Bangkok, Thailand via an online questionnaire. Twenty-one of these students also voluntarily completed online reflective writings about their intercultural communication experience in Thailand. Data from the questionnaire was quantitatively analyzed, while data from reflective writings were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results show that overall intercultural sensitivity was at a moderate level. Interaction confidence, interaction engagement, interaction attentiveness, and respect for cultural differences were at moderate levels, whereas interaction enjoyment was at a low level. Results also show that students displayed open-mindedness and empathy in interactions, and they were able to self-monitor. However, they expressed no confidence and tended to make quick judgments about others. Based on these findings, we argue that the Chinese undergraduates we sampled are interculturally sensitive to a moderate degree. Therefore, we suggest that they need to be more involved in social interactions and seek to increase their self-confidence. The results of this study will help intercultural educators gain a better understanding of overseas students’ intercultural sensitivity. It will also help administrators and teachers with curriculum and activity design.
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