Acculturation and quality of life of Chinese Mainland students in Northern B.C.

This study used a quantitative method to explore the acculturation process and quality of life of Chinese Mainland students in Prince George in Northern B.C. It mainly focuses on the effect of residence time on acculturation and quality of life, as well as gender differences in these two aspects among the study subjects. U-curve of adjustment theory (UCT) served as the conceptual framework. Chinese Mainland students who are currently studying in Northern B.C. were recruited to complete a 40-question survey (N=95). Results indicated that participants showed a semi-U' shape cultural adaptation process. However, no significant difference was found between the two genders on acculturation. The findings also demonstrated that the students' quality of life correlates to their acculturation level. Despite no difference in acculturation between males and females, they do significantly differ on quality of life in terms of psychological health and social connectivity. --Leaf iii.