A Bibliometric Analysis of Cross-Cultural Adaptation Research on International Students

Abstract

This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to investigate research trends in cross-cultural adaption among foreign students, assessing 445 publications published from 1990 to 2024. Since 2006, the discipline has advanced swiftly, with China and the United States at the forefront in terms of publication output and international collaboration. Notable institutions comprise the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Ohio University System, with the International Journal of Intercultural Relations acknowledged as the first in the field. The primary study themes encompass intercultural competence, adaptation processes, and social support systems, with a contemporary focus on digital technologies and online learning in the post-pandemic setting. The research delineates three developmental phases in the domain, emphasizing a growing focus on predictive analytics using big data and artificial intelligence to improve adaption experiences. This thorough analysis offers significant insights into the changing dynamics of cross-cultural adaptation research, presenting a lucid overview of existing trends and prospective avenues for enhancing foreign students' experiences.