ERIC Number: EJ1470274
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2162-3104
EISSN: EISSN-2166-3750
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Constructing Identity Abroad: How Chinese Students in Canada Reconcile Their Cultural Identity with Western Influences
Wendai Yang; Shuya Du
Journal of International Students, v15 n4 p153-169 2025
In this paper, we investigate the phenomenon of cultural identity construction, focusing on Chinese students studying in Canada and how they deal with conflict between their Chinese and Western cultures. It investigates different factors of Western culture and examines how Chinese students construct and reconcile their identity with Western influences. The study also focuses on the psychological effects of identity reconstruction among these students. This study employed a qualitative research approach, and data were gathered through structured interviews with six Chinese students at Canadian universities. Three primary themes were revealed through thematic analysis: educational institution's role in cultural adaptation, cultural practices and identity influence, and psychological well-being and cultural identity. Consequently, the study results show that the role of educational institutions, cultural practices, and identity conflicts significantly impact cultural adaptation and students' psychological well-being. The study stresses the fluidity of the identity construction process and the challenges Chinese students face in defining their cultural self-identification with the dominating Western culture.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Foreign Students, Self Concept, Cultural Awareness, Western Civilization, Cultural Differences, College Students, Cultural Background, Well Being, Asian Culture, Cultural Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China; Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A