Presenter

Shan Li, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

Abstract

As the number of international students (IS) rises in Canada, more research has focused on enhancing their cross-cultural adaptation to the host society. One factor that might influence the adaptation process is IS’ relationship with their families back home (Marginson et al., 2010; Hinderlie & Kenny, 2002). This relationship, however, might be compromised by cultural differences as IS acculturate into Canada. In effort to better understand the potential factors that may facilitate family functioning for IS during their studies abroad, this study examines the interrelations between cultural empathy (operationalized as cultural awareness, perspective-switching, empathic feelings, cultural sensitivity, and attitudes towards cultural differences), family functioning (e.g., family cohesion, expressiveness, and conflicts) and IS’ adjustment in Canada (e.g., social connectedness and anticipated life satisfaction). IS at a Canadian university (n = 218) completed an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis indicated that IS’ cultural empathy and family functioning were significantly correlated with each other, such that higher cultural empathy was positively related to family cohesion and expressiveness, and negatively related to family conflicts. In addition, cultural empathy and family functioning were each significantly positively correlated with the students’ social connectedness and anticipated life satisfaction in Canada. The findings consistent with the hypothesis that empathic consideration of cultural differences, and a close relationship with one’s family may serve as important adaptations resources for IS, possibly by making them feel more “equipped” and confident in their ability to integrate into friendship networks and deal with life challenges in the receiving community.

Poster

Authors & Affiliations

K. Noels, D. Zhang, S. Li, Y. Chen & R. X. Zhang (Psychology Department, University of Alberta).