Abstract:
This qualitative research aims to: (1) study the cultural adaptation of Chinese students in Thailand in terms of language, consumption, beliefs, and rituals; (2) study the cultural adaptation of Thai students in China in the same aspects; and (3) compare the cultural adaptation of Chinese and Thai students. The study involved two groups of participants: 20 Chinese undergraduate students from Burapha University and 20 Thai undergraduate students from Yunnan Nationalities University. Data were collected through observation and interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed inductively by categorizing the information from observations and focus group discussions and presenting the findings through descriptive analysis. The results show that both Chinese and Thai students faced challenges in language adaptation. Chinese students struggled with the complexity of Thai tones and specific vocabulary, while Thai students encountered difficulties with Chinese characters and diverse accents. In terms of consumption, Chinese students had to adjust to the spicy and herbal nature of Thai cuisine, whereas Thai students had to adapt to the sweeter, saltier, and oilier flavors typical of Chinese food. Regarding beliefs and rituals, Chinese students had to learn Thai customs such as the wai gesture, merit-making, and participation in festivals like Loy Krathong. Thai students had to understand Chinese traditions such as ancestral worship and major festivals like the Chinese New Year. In conclusion, the cultural adaptation process for both groups of students requires time, effort, and support from those around them. Interaction with native speakers and participation in cultural activities are key factors that enhance the adaptation experience. The findings of this study can serve as a guideline for educational institutions to develop cultural exchange programs that support international students to new cultural environments.