A Study of Academic Adaptation of Chinese Art and Design Students Studying in Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the academic adjustment challenges faced by Chinese art and design students pursuing postgraduate degrees in Malaysia. With the advancement of globalised education, more and more Chinese students are choosing to further their studies overseas, and Malaysia is gradually becoming a key destination due to its cost-effectiveness, cultural proximity to China and recognition of creative education programmes. However, international students often face the challenges of adapting to different teaching methods, overcoming language barriers, and coping with cross-cultural academic expectations. This study employs a quantitative methodology to assess Chinese postgraduate students' academic adjustment in Malaysia through a questionnaire survey to provide actionable insights for educational institutions and policy makers. The findings reveal the potential of VR technology in arts education, and experts are optimistic about its future, despite the current immaturity of hardware and software that limits its wide application. The study provides a theoretical foundation for future research on educational technology by validating the relevance of constructivist, experiential, and self-directed learning theories in VR environments. In addition, the study identifies the challenges of VR technology in art creation, provides guidance for future technological development and optimisation of device performance, and promotes further development of VR devices and software to enhance technological performance and user experience. The study also developed a set of criteria for assessing still-life sketching in VR environments, including structure and perspective, modelling ability, sense of wholeness and spatiality, texture and detail, which provides a systematic and standardised assessment method for art education and creation, and helps to improve the scientificity and objectivity of assessment. The results of the study show that VR technology expands artists' means of creation and expression, and provides new teaching tools and methods for art education