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“My Cross-Border PhD Journey”: A Qualitative Study on the Educational and Life Challenges of Mainland Chinese PhD Students in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Jing Jia

    (The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
    Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China)

  • Nelson C. Y. Yeung

    (The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China)

Abstract

PhD students’ poor mental health has been increasingly concerning. However, challenges among PhD students studying aboard are understudied. The Educational and Life Transitions (ELT) model postulates that international PhD students are subject to both academic and acculturative stressors; however, relevant research is limited in the Chinese context. We examined mainland Chinese PhD students’ study and living experiences in Hong Kong using a qualitative approach. Through purposive sampling, 37 mainland Chinese PhD students in different disciplines from public-funded universities in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in online focus group interviews (December 2020–February 2021). The interviews were analyzed using the framework analysis method. Ten themes of academic/acculturative stressors were identified. The academic stressors included: (1) high expectations from the supervisors; (2) emphasis on self-discipline as PhD students; (3) peer comparison in academia; (4) difficulties shifting research directions/academic disciplines; (5) uncertainties about future career. The acculturative stressors included: (1) differences in the political environment; (2) language barriers; (3) difficulties living in Hong Kong; (4) limited social interaction with others; (5) local people’s discriminatory behaviors. This study sheds light on the stressors experienced by mainland Chinese PhD students in Hong Kong. To better address those students’ academic and acculturative stressors, cross-cultural training and additional support from supervisors/the university could be provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Jia & Nelson C. Y. Yeung, 2023. "“My Cross-Border PhD Journey”: A Qualitative Study on the Educational and Life Challenges of Mainland Chinese PhD Students in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:12:p:6078-:d:1166160
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Levecque, Katia & Anseel, Frederik & De Beuckelaer, Alain & Van der Heyden, Johan & Gisle, Lydia, 2017. "Work organization and mental health problems in PhD students," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(4), pages 868-879.
    2. Xueyu Wang, 2022. "Occupational Stress in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of Doctoral Supervisors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Chris Woolston, 2022. "Stress and uncertainty drag down graduate students’ satisfaction," Nature, Nature, vol. 610(7933), pages 805-808, October.
    4. Mei Tian & Yan Su & Xin Ru, 2016. "Perish or Publish in China: Pressures on Young Chinese Scholars to Publish in Internationally Indexed Journals," Publications, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-16, April.
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