Coping with culture shock: a study of stressors, adjustments and stereotypes among chinese students at bangkok university

Loneliness and homesickness

Loneliness and homesickness are less strong if comparing to Chinese new students (0-6 months group). According to respondents, loneliness and homesickness are impossible to be totally released from their life here. However, it is not that strong now.

Playing games, charting online, calling parents, participating in parties, travelling are common ways to reduce loneliness and homesickness. In addition, listening music and watching movies are also ways to cope with loneliness and homesickness.

Pressure of work

Some respondents got a part-time job. They felt a little bit heavy to study and work at the same time. They felt their free time is too limited and everyday is busy in study and work. Also, few of them are worry about their GPA since they spend less time on study. A junior Chinese student stated in interview:


I have been a Chinese language teacher for half year. Normally, there are 4 classes a week for teaching and 8 classes a week for learning; and, I have taught 2 kids in Chinese as a private Chinese teacher. It is too heavy and busy every week, especially, in mid-term or final exam period (Xiaobin Wang).

Pressure of graduation

Few respondents are going to graduate soon. They are facing a stressor of graduation. At the pre-graduation moment, they concern to their job. Some interviewees would like to stay in Thailand after they graduated; thus, they are worry about their job, visa extension, and work permit. Also, some respondents would like to work in China after they graduated; thus, they are worry about their job in China. In short, they are concerning to their job whether in China or in Thailand. A senor Chinese student mentioned in interview below:


I would like to work in Thailand after I graduated; but, it seems quite hard according to current economic condition. Also, for Chinese applicants, there are many companies would not able to provide work permit. It will make a difficulty to Chinese students if someone would like to work here.
Furthermore, salary is another important thing for me. I will not able to survive if they pay me too less. Those are things that I worry about. However, I do not have too much time since I will graduate very soon (Wei Cao).

Some respondents are getting to prepare for their graduation now. They made their resume and search for wanted advertisement. And they start to prepare for their work after graduation.

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