Lived experiences of Chinese Foreign students in a Filipino-Chinese educational setting towards the development of a cross-cultural guidance program

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the experiences of Chinese foreign students in a Filipino-Chinese educational setting to develop a cross-cultural guidance program that may make their stay more comfortable, memorable, and more meaningful. The ten selected participants who agreed to participate in this study were chosen based on the inclusion criteria set by the researcher. They agreed to be interviewed via Zoom after returning to China because of the pandemic. Follow-ups with the participants were done via WeChat when necessary. Results show that Chinese foreign students encountered challenges during their stay here, including language barriers, weather adjustments, food preferences, and factors that affect learning. They also experienced acculturative stress due to religion and the difference in educational standards. However, most participants could adjust well because of Filipinos' hospitality and warmth. As means of coping, they tried to learn the Filipino language and establish relationships with people around them. With this, the researcher developed a cross- cultural guidance program to encourage these foreign students to integrate into the local community.