Exploring the Role of the Fu Dao Yuan in Enhancing the Cultural and Social Experiences of International Students in China

Abstract

Informing this qualitative study were 45 international students in a top-tier comprehensive research university in southeast China. The study focuses on the experience of international students towards the role played by international Fu Dao Yuan (Counselor) in enhancing the students’ cultural and social experiences at the university. The results revealed four most significant adjustment issues for international students. Building on the U-Curve adjustment theory (Oberg, 1960), the study discovered the importance of international Fu Dao Yuan to provide cultural and social support to international students for easy adjustment into a new culture and social setting. The study bears practical implications as to providing international Fu Dao Yuan with important insights that help to create an environment conducive for enhancing the cultural and social experiences of international students.

Keywords: cultural experience; social experiences; Fu Dao Yuan; student affairs office; international students

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-31-06

Publication date: November 30^th 2020