A Study On Cultural Identity Of Chinese Students In New York University

Chinese students in the United States have always been a typical group in the research of intercultural communication, especially since China's reform and open up. Among numerous difficulties an overseas student might be facing, problems related to cultural identity and intercultural communication are harder to cope with than financial or academic ones, which could be easily solved through hard work of the student himself or help from school. Therefore, this thesis has carried out qualitative study in the form of interviews aiming to probe into the cultural identity status of Chinese students in New York University.Through interviews, the thesis discovers that during the process of adapting to their life in New York, Chinese students participating in this thesis survey have all acquired some cultural identities of the United States and New York. At the same time, participated informants are still keeping their cultural identity as a Chinese. Therefore, a conclusion could be drawn that the cultural identity status of the interviewed Chinese students in New York University is"integrated"of acculturation according to Berry's Model of Acculturation. Meanwhile, the thesis also discovers that undergraduate students integrate much easier and quicker than graduates do.This research can provide a useful guidance to Chinese students currently studying or about to study in New York City and the United States at large. For administrative personnel in American universities, this thesis could serve as a helpful reference in making policies and providing services. For American education workers, the facts of Chinese students shown in this thesis could be helpful in designing courses or arranging curriculums for students with multi-cultural backgrounds. For American students, the thoughts and stories in this thesis could help them improve their sensitivity towards the demands and approach of Chinese students in communication.