Chinese Students on Mobility in Portuguese Higher Education Institutions: Sociocultural Adaptation in the Context of the Internationalisation of Higher Education

Abstract

This study examines the sociocultural adaptation of Chinese students in Portuguese higher education institutions within the broader context of international academic mobility. As Portugal increasingly positions itself as a strategic destination for international students, particularly from China, understanding the dynamics of their integration becomes essential. Drawing on the Global Education Profiler and an adapted GAP-Matrix—both developed by the University of Warwick (2007)—the research quantitatively assesses the gap between students’ expectations and their actual experiences across three key domains: daily life, academic engagement, and interpersonal interactions. Based on 355 survey responses, the findings reveal that while most students report successful adaptation, persistent challenges remain in academic performance, bureaucratic procedures, and intercultural communication. The study highlights the critical role of institutional support in promoting integration and proposes targeted strategies to enhance the internationalisation of Portuguese universities and improve the overall experience of Chinese students.