| This study explores the experiences of eight Malaysian Chinese immigrants' efforts at adjustment and acculturation in American culture/society. It considers the impact of the American society on their educational and cultural values, their attitudes toward gender preference and the model minority label. Their coping strategies are also discussed.;Despite the differences in cultures, all the respondents appear to have adjusted successfully to their new environment. The adolescents excel in schools. They attribute this to a combination of their cultural traits and the compatibility of American educational system to their needs. The respondents' attitude against gender preference appears to have been strengthened by the American institutional anti-discrimination measures and the more enlightened attitudes of the American public. The respondents are unaware of the implications of the model minority label. It is not significant to most of the respondents personally, whether in schools, work places or in the general society. |
