Review of intercultural academic and social challenges among Chinese international students in Malaysia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/f8zc6t90

Keywords:

Chinese international students, intercultural academic challenges, intercultural social challenges, international education, Malaysia

Abstract

International education is a current phenomenon characterized by an influx of international students from multiple countries into Malaysian universities. The highest number of international students at Malaysian universities is from China. The growth in the number of international students has led to an increasing diversity of cultural practices in the learning context, which requires intercultural adaptability. This review focused on the intercultural academic and social challenges faced by Chinese international students in Malaysian higher education institutions. Peer-reviewed articles published on Scopus, Taylor & Francis, EBSCO Host, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Wiley Online platforms over 10 years (2015-2025) were used for data collection. The Model of Intercultural Competence guided the review. The insights from the review offer opportunities for relevant stakeholders to create a framework that improves intercultural adaptability and sustainability among international students, specifically Chinese international students.

Author Biographies

  • Manjet Kaur Mehar Singh, Universiti Sains Malaysia

    MANJET KAUR MEHAR SINGH is an Associate Professor at the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia. She holds a PhD in language studies and has been attached to the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation for the past 29 years. Manjet Kaur’s interests are broad and include sociolinguistics, language teaching and learning, academic literacy(ies), discourse, and multilingualism. She has extensive experience as a keynote, invited and plenary speaker at international events. She also manages the International Journal of Language, Literacy and Translation (IJoLLT) as the Chief Editor. Manjet Kaur is also listed by Britishpedia (4th edition, 2022) as one of the "successful people in Malaysia' in the field of education.

    Email: manjeet@usm.my

  • Wenou Xue, Universiti Sains Malaysia

    WENOU XUE, PhD candidate, School of Languages, Literacies & Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her main research interests are in the fields of multiculturalism and language application.

    Email: wenou@student.usm.my

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Published

2025-09-20

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Kaur Mehar Singh, M., & Xue, W. (2025). Review of intercultural academic and social challenges among Chinese international students in Malaysia. Journal of International Students, 15(11), 99-120. https://doi.org/10.32674/f8zc6t90