Surfing USA: How Internet Use Prior to and During Study Abroad Affects Chinese Students’ Stress, Integration, and Cultural Learning While in the United States

Campuses across the United States continue to welcome a record number of Chinese students coming in pursuit of both academic and cultural goals. Yet, high levels of acculturative stress coupled with difficulties integrating into life abroad jeopardize accomplishing these goals. In this study, we examine Chinese students’ Internet use both prior to and during study abroad, and its effects on stress, integration, and learning while abroad. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 undergraduate and graduate students from China currently studying in the United States. Findings indicate that although online media and resources provide valuable information to Chinese students, they may also set the stage for entry into established, cohesive co-national peer groups, thereby discouraging integration.