Sociocultural Adaptation of 'Parachute Kids' from Mainland China

Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

Y

18

Social Adjustment; Acculturation; Student Attitudes; Journal Writing; Social Integration; Teacher Attitudes; High School Students; Asians; Foreign Students; Social Stratification; Cultural Context; Foreign Countries; Student Adjustment; Phenomenology; Grade Point Average; Interpersonal Relationship; Friendship; Social Status; Study Abroad; Student Mobility

China; United States

10.1080/03069885.2019.1643006

0306-9885

Through analysing data collected from interviews with 12 students and 7 teachers, observations, students' journals and other documents at a US high school, this qualitative study examines the sociocultural adaptation of "parachute kids" from mainland China. Emerging themes revealed adjustments to be made at three levels, namely, tangible, structural and mental ones. Parachute kids who had become separated from the host culture appeared to have refused to make adjustments at any of these three levels. Those who were found to be integrated were characterised by an open and curious mind, and were proactive in making adjustments at all three levels. In between separation and integration were children willing to make some adjustments, but not at the mental level.

As Provided

2021

EJ1280719