Chinese overseas students perceptions of Thai society and culture : a case study of Yunnan students in universities in Thailand

Abstract

This research devotes itself to surveying and analyzing the perceptions of Thai culture and society from the perspective of overseas Chinese students enrolled in international programs of Thai universities. This thesis operates on the premise that firstly, perceptions of Thai society and culture differ between senior year (third year and fourth year) Chinese students from Yunnan and junior years (first year and second year). Secondly, attitudes of Thai society and culture depend on the linguistic competence to speak Thai. Thirdly, the level of cultural acculturation depends on the length of stay. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews are chosen as the survey instruments of this study. A total of 250 copies of questionnaires were distributed to Chinese students from Yunnan Province, China: 200 to Kasem Bundit University and 50 to Burapha University. After the adjustment and arrangement of data, 150 responses were collected from Kasem Bundit University and 50 responses were collected from Burapha University. The questionnaire comprised of 4 parts to study and analyze the Chinese students’ fine-drawn perceptions of Thai society and the culture. The findings of this case study have demonstrated that the longer the Chinese students experience Thailand, the more positive their perceptions of the country’s culture and society. The findings make it clear that as Thai speaking skills improved, the Chinese students discover more positive attributes in all aspects of Thai culture and society. As they have time to adjust and to familiarize themselves with the Thai ways, they become gradually more positive