A Study on Cross - Cultural Adaptation of African International Students in Xiamen University

Dear African Compatriots,

 

I am a Cameroonian international student at Xiamen University, currently working on my undergraduate thesis which focuses on the cross-cultural adaptation of African international students studying and living in Xiamen. I sincerely hope you can spare a few minutes from your busy schedule to complete this questionnaire. Thank you very much!


1. 性别
2. 1. Which country are you from? (Please fill in) 
3. What is your age group?
4.  How long have you been studying/living in China?
5. What is your Chinese proficiency level?
6.  What is your current accommodation situation?
7. What is your officiel language? (Please fill in)
8. What is your religious belief? (Optional)
9.  Since coming to China, have you encountered etiquette different from that in your home country (such as bowing, forms of address, greeting styles, etc.)?
10. Has Chinese etiquette culture (such as bowing) caused you discomfort or confusion?
11. Have you tried to adapt to and use local etiquette (such as bowing when introducing yourself)?
12.
Have you noticed obvious differences in religious beliefs between Chinese people and those in your home country?
13. Does Chinese religious or sacrificial culture make you feel confused or uncomfortable?
14. Since coming to China, have you participated in any religious or cultural ceremonies (e.g., go  to temples and pray Confucius, worshipping Buddha, sacrificial rituals, etc.)?
15. Do you think participating in local cultural ceremonies helps you understand Chinese culture?
16. Would you be willing to learn about or participate in Chinese religious culture without affecting your personal religious beliefs?
17. Have you ever felt conflicts between your own culture and Chinese culture in terms of religion or sacrifice?
18. In Xiamen, I consciously take the initiative to explore and experience local characteristic food and cultural activities.
19. When misunderstandings arise due to Sino-African cultural differences, I regard them as communication opportunities and actively seek ways to explain that are understandable to both sides.
20.  I believe that taking the initiative to establish social relationships with Chinese people is an important and enjoyable part of adapting to life here
21. To socialize more smoothly in China, I have consciously adjusted some of my original social habits (such as greeting styles, conversation distance).
22. Even if I do not fully understand the rules, I am confident to try to participate in Chinese social occasions and learn from them.
23. I mainly attribute the difficulties encountered in my studies or life to the new challenges of the cross-cultural environment, rather than insufficient personal ability.
24. Nostalgia for the cultural atmosphere of my hometown sometimes conflicts with my willingness to engage in my new life in China.
25.  Overall, I can find a sense of achievement and happiness in my life and study in China.
26. Switching between different cultural rules consumes my energy and brings a constant sense of pressure.
27. I feel that my cultural identity is no longer single, but a "hybrid identity" integrating Sino-African elements.
28. Certain values or events in Chinese society will trigger me to reflect on and compare my original values.
29. . I have developed effective personal methods (such as sports, hobbies, meditation) to manage the pressure brought by cross-cultural life.
30. Successful experiences of using Chinese to handle daily affairs (such as shopping, ordering food) have enhanced my confidence in living in China.
31. Being unable to fully demonstrate myself in class due to language limitations is one of the main sources of my frustration.
32. Being able to understand Chinese humor and "implied meanings" makes me feel that I have truly integrated into their social circle.
33. Worry about language mistakes has indeed restricted the frequency and depth of my in-depth and personalized communication with Chinese people.
34. Successfully completing a complex communication in Chinese (such as resolving disputes, expressing emotions) gives me a strong sense of integration.
35. I have formed a set of fixed strategies (gestures, translation apps, simple word substitution) to overcome immediate communication barriers.
36. My financial situation allows me to freely accept social invitations from Chinese friends (such as dinners, outings).
37. The inconvenience of international remittance and exchange rate risks are the main sources of pressure in my financial planning in China.
38. Expenses unique to international students (such as expensive air tickets back home) have squeezed my budget for experiencing Chinese culture.
39. I can purchase necessary learning resources without financial pressure to ensure equal competition with classmates in my studies.
40. save money, I have to give up some paid Chinese cultural experience activities (such as traveling, performances).
41.  I have learned to actively find and use various mobile apps and documents to get consumption discounts just like local students.
42.  My circle of African compatriots is the most reliable backing for providing emotional comfort and solving practical life problems.
43. I have one or several Chinese "cultural mentors" (friends, teachers) to whom I can turn for help and get reliable advice when I am confused.
44. The orientation and consultation services provided by the university gave me effective introductory guidance during the critical initial stage of my arrival.
45. . In classes or projects, I feel that I am an equal member of the team, not just a "foreign student".
46. Chinese social platforms such as WeChat are indispensable tools for me to maintain local social relationships and obtain practical information.
47. . In Xiamen, I have established a diverse (cross-cultural) social support system that can provide a sense of security.
48. I can skillfully use Chinese digital tools (such as mobile payment, ride-hailing services, food delivery) to live seamlessly just like locals.
49. Barriers to accessing foreign social media have indeed affected my psychological connection and information synchronization with my hometown society.
50. Relying on Chinese local apps to solve problems makes me feel more independent and efficient in living in China.
51. Managing two sets of Chinese and foreign social media at the same time sometimes brings a sense of exhaustion of "digital personality" split.
52. actively use Chinese new media platforms (such as Bilibili, Xiaohongshu) to understand and keep up with local social culture and trends.
53. Adapting to China's digital environment (from tool use to rule understanding) is a key part of the success of my overall cross-cultural adaptation.
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