A Qualitative Study Of Intercultural Contact On Campus

This study explores the intercultural contact among students at Fudan University, especifically fromthe perspective of host Chinese students(Hereafter: HCS). The study delves into HCS'perceptionsof culture and cultural differences, their attitude toward intercultural contact on campus, and finally,their actual experience of such contact.Twenty in-depth one on one interviews were conducted with interviewees from Fudan university,where host and international students ratio stands at 9 to 1, making it an ideal setting for studyingthe phenomenon of intercultural contact on campus. The data collected in interviews were analyzedthrough a rigorous process of coding, categorizing and theoretical development grounded instudents'reports of perceptions and experiences.Overall, the findings indicate that host students'construction of culture is heavily influenced bytheir own values and the university environment as well. Moreover, the findings also identifymultiple factors which impact upon the likelihood of getting acquainted, the formation of crossculturalattitude, and the nature of contact being experienced by HCS. Findings suggest that thoughassociated with uncertainty and anxiety, HCS in general appear intrigued and interested byintercultural interactions with international students. However, it is paradoxical that such positivetendency dose not lead to active engagement. Consistent with findings of existing research,interactions between HSC and international students are infrequent and superficial. Drawing uponrelevant intercultural theories, explanations for such paradox are proffered to add to the overallunderstanding of the phenomenon.