Estudiantes internacionales chinos en universidades europeas : percepciones de los estudiantes locales

There is a long tradition of Spanish and European universities that welcome international teachers and students. In recent years, the number of exchanges and international students has increased dramatically. Due to the lack of cultural understanding between local and Chinese international students, some difficult and overwhelming situations have arisen. This article shows a preliminary study conducted under the leadership of a European project focusing on Chinese international students' social inclusion and academic performance in higher education institutions within the European Union. This study attempts to make an approximation of local students' perceptions of Chinese international students. Hence, a questionnaire has been sent by e-mail to a sample of 30 local students. The results show that local students have no problem sharing classes with Chinese international students. They do, however, subconsciously hold certain stereotypes that affect their interactions. Interculturality training could therefore help both local and Chinese international students improve their coexistence and get to know their classmates better.