Social Challenges and Experiences of Chinese International University Students: The Sociocultural and Psychological Racism Perspective

Abstract

International university students face challenges due to the sociocultural differences in the host country. However, only a few studies focused on the issues for Chinese international university students in South Korea. This study aimed to understand the experiences of Chinese international university students in a South Korean university majoring in public health and social care. The following questions guided the current study, how do public health and social care Chinese international students describe their academic and living experiences in South Korea in terms of the Sociocultural and Psychological Racism? With the qualitative inquiry, 50 participants with 100 interview sessions and 12 focus group activities were invited. The results indicated that university experiences due to nationality, social experiences due to nationality, and language learning experiences were the three main themes. University departments should read the students’ comments in this study and take into account the results of this research to reform and improve the university experience of all international students. Also, government agencies may reform their current plans for international students and foreigners in the community.

Received: 28 November 2021 / Accepted: 2 February 2022 / Published: 5 March 2022