Cross-cultural learning experiences of Chinese international students in a UK university: a qualitative study

Zhou, Mengxing 2026. Cross-cultural learning experiences of Chinese international students in a UK university: a qualitative study. Frontiers in Education 11 , 1824782. 10.3389/feduc.2026.1824782

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Abstract

The experiences of Chinese international students in UK universities have been widely discussed in existing literature, with most studies focusing on the challenges they encounter and their adaptation to a new academic environment. However, fewer studies have adopted a longitudinal perspective to explore how these experiences develop over time. This study investigates the learning experiences of Chinese international postgraduate taught students throughout their 1-year programme at a UK university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 students from different postgraduate programmes across three Schools within the same institution. Using thematic analysis, the study identified four key aspects of participants' learning experiences: the application of English language, learning through reasoning and research, learning engagement, and interpersonal dynamics. The findings showed that these experiences were shaped through interaction with the new learning environment and contributed to either transformative or miseducative learning experiences, influencing students' academic development during cross-cultural transition.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 June 2026
Date of Acceptance:	30 March 2026
Last Modified:	08 Jun 2026 11:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187473

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