Perceptions of Chinese International Students in Singapore: Adjustment Issues and Support By Kelly Dawn Steele A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Department of Theory and Policy Studies Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto © Copyright by Kelly Dawn Steele (2008) Perceptions of Chinese International Students in Singapore: Adjustment Issues and Support Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Kelly Dawn Steele Department of Theory and Policy Studies University of Toronto Abstract The number of students choosing to engage in international education is increasing. Typically, the United States has been the number one destination for international students but that has declined in recent years (2002 to 2006). This implies that international students choose to study in other English speaking countries or in countries that may be more similar in culture. The purpose of this study was to explore the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of undergraduate Mainland Chinese international students who were studying at a university in Singapore. The focus was to understand their perceptions of the adjustments issues they faced as international students. Twenty-one (21) students were interviewed using a semi-structured face-to-face technique. A review of the literature was conducted. The three major areas of difficulty identified were learning to speak English, weather, and food. The most helpful support reported by the Chinese international students was the ‘English Bridging course’. Overall, general adaptation to life and study in Singapore ii presented no major obstacles for the Chinese international students and this resulted in low utilization of and need for existing support services. The respondents reported that learning to speak English was the most difficult adaptation they encountered due to the widespread use of Mandarin and Singlish by the local population. Interestingly the issues identified in other research studies such as difficulty with general living adjustment, personal psychological adjustment, social adjustment, and culture shock were not supported in this research. Also, loneliness, homesickness, anxiety, lack of social support, and difficulty with finances were not identified as major issues for this group of Chinese international students. This led the researcher to conclude that the more similar a host country is to the home country in culture and language, the easier the general adjustment of the international student. Also, the researcher concluded that the similarity in language (Mandarin) from the home country (China) to the host country (Singapore) is both a negative and a positive – it can greatly and positively facilitate general adjustment of an international student but it can hinder the English language adjustment and learning. Suggestions for future research were included in this study. iii Acknowledgements I’m not particularly good at putting feelings on paper but I would like to thank a few people…. First of all, my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Angela Hildyard. Thanks for accepting me as your student without hesitation and for your continued guidance. I am extremely fortunate to have you as my supervisor! Committee members – Dr. Glen Jones & Dr. Julia Pan. Thank you for your willingness to serve on my committee. You both were great support over the many edits of this thesis. To the members of my cohort – enjoy the ride!! It’s great to be in this program with all of you and I am very lucky to be associated with such great people. I’ve enjoyed our time together. Joe Mior – thanks for all your help!! To my mother, Muriel Peddle, I can’t thank you enough…for everything! Words can never express my appreciation for everything you’ve done for me. This degree and thesis is really a product of your hard work over the many years. Michael….What can I say? ….You’re the love of my life! Thanks for reminding me to breathe. iv Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgements...................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents........................................................................................................... v Chapter 1 .......................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction - Background & Rationale..................................................................... 1 Statement of the Issue ................................................................................................ 2 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................... 5 Research Questions .................................................................................................... 6 Research Methodology ............................................................................................... 7 Significance of the Study .......................................................................................... 12 Assumptions of the Study ......................................................................................... 14 Organization of Thesis .............................................................................................. 14 Limitations of the Study............................................................................................. 14 Definition of Terms..................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 2 - Literature Review ................................................................................... 18 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 18 Reasons for international study ............................................................................... 19 Recruitment of international students ..................................................................... 21 Trends in International Student Mobility ................................................................. 27 Definition of adjustment............................................................................................. 31 Adjustment issues of international students .......................................................... 35 How international students cope.............................................................................. 40 Chinese international students................................................................................. 43 Adjustment of Chinese international students ....................................................... 46 How Chinese international students cope.............................................................. 50 Singapore .................................................................................................................... 52 Cultural similarities & differences between China and Singapore...................... 57 What can institutions do to help international students?...................................... 58 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 65 Chapter 3 – Methodology........................................................................................... 67 Design of the study .................................................................................................... 67 Interviews..................................................................................................................... 69 Data collection ............................................................................................................ 72 v Sample selection........................................................................................................ 75 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 79 Use of Theory ............................................................................................................. 84 Validity and Reliability................................................................................................ 86 Researcher assumptions, orientation and bias ..................................................... 89 Limitations and Generalizability ............................................................................... 91 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 91 Chapter 4 – Findings................................................................................................... 93 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 93 Research Questions .................................................................................................. 93 Interview Questions ................................................................................................... 94 Participant Demographics......................................................................................... 94 Findings from the interviews..................................................................................... 97 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................