Cultural factors influencing the success and satisfaction of Chinese overseas students in their studies

This thesis explores the influences of culture on Chinese overseas student's success and satisfaction in their studies.

In this research, the success and satisfaction was measured using an instrument Overseas Student Opinion Survey Questionnaire (OSOSQ) that was specifically designed for this research. Focus group data was also obtained to establish what factors other than culture could influence overseas student success and satisfaction in their studies. The research also examined the student's cognitive style using the Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT) to explore the relationship between culture and cognitive style.

Using Hofstede's Cultural Layers Model as a framework to explore cultural influences, it was found that student's perceptions of success and satisfaction was most influenced by cultural values as described by Hofstede's cultural identifiers: "Symbol", "Hero", "Ritual" and "Value". The research revealed that these cultural identifiers influenced student's perceptions as determined by context. The "Value" identifier proved to be the most potent cultural identifier but this interacts with the other cultural identifiers. The research established an association between cultural values and cognitive style. Another outcome of the research finding was that other factors, in particularly, a generational factor and a motivational factor also influenced student's success and satisfaction in their studies. Interaction between cultural factors and other factors were evident.

The findings of the research were considered in the design and planning for learning environments for Chinese overseas students.