Understanding Career Construction and Acculturation Strategies Among Chinese International Students in Australia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the career adaptability and the acculturation of Chinese international hospitality students, enrolled in an Australian university. Furthermore, the study explored how their career adaptability and acculturation are related. The methodology included a thematic analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews with Chinese international hospitality students enrolled at a Southeast Queensland Australian University. The results showed that the career adaptability (career control and career concern) were driven by the students’ own agency or family influences. Furthermore, I found that the students were either host or home culture oriented, and they acculturated mainly through work/internships, socializing and group work at university. Finally, I found that acculturation has an impact on international students’ career adaptability, and that the students’ career adaptability also affects their acculturation.

Understanding Career Construction and Acculturation Strategies Among Chinese International Students in Australia