AN EXPLORATION OF ACADEMIC ADAPTATION CHALLENGES FACED BY MAINLAND CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FOCUSING ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE BARRIERS

Authors: Kareenajit Kaur A, P Sarjit Singh, Lu Jing Yi* & Ooi Boon Keat

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explores the English-language difficulties encountered by mainland Chinese undergraduates at Management and Science University (MSU) in Malaysia and examines how these barriers shape academic adjustment. Ten eligible students were recruited and interviewed bilingually in English and Mandarin using a semi-structured protocol. After verbatim transcription and translation, the data were subjected to thematic analysis. The results show that limited English proficiency is a major obstacle, directly affecting students’ ability to adapt academically. Language problems are intensified by contrasting teaching styles in China and Malaysia, together forming the central challenge reported by participants. Respondents traced their weak English to two sources: a scarcity of genuine communicative settings and the long-standing emphasis on reading and writing rather than listening and speaking in China’s secondary English curriculum. By focusing on an Asian host country, the study addresses a gap in the literature and offers Malaysian universities empirical evidence for refining support services aimed at Chinese international students.

Keywords: English language barriers; academic adaptation; international students from mainland China; Malaysian higher education; cross-cultural teaching

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