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Cold Gazes and the Warmth of Everyday Life: A Comparative Study of Quality of Life among Chinese and Other International Students in the Context of Rising Anti-Chinese Sentiment

  • Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies
  • Abbr : JAPS
  • 2026, 33(1), pp.105~126
  • DOI : 10.18107/japs.2026.33.1.004
  • Publisher : Institute of Global Affairs
  • Research Area : Social Science > Social Science in general
  • Received : February 1, 2026
  • Accepted : February 24, 2026
  • Published : March 30, 2026

Lee Min-gyu 1

1서울연구원

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to empirically examine whether the quality of life satisfaction and residential difficulties experienced by Chinese international students have changed in the context where anti-Chinese sentiment has emerged as a major political and social issue. To this end, the study analyzes trends in six domains of quality of life satisfaction and twelve categories of residential difficulties. Based on these findings, the relative conditions of Chinese international students were further compared and validated against those of international students from other countries. The main results are as follows. First, despite the unfavorable environment created by the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment, Chinese international students were found to report relatively high levels of quality of life satisfaction. In three out of the six domains, their satisfaction levels were even higher than those of non-Chinese international students. In nationality-based comparisons , Chinese students also demonstrated statistically significantly higher satisfaction than students from certain other countries. Second, the residential difficulties perceived by Chinese international students were found to have intensified compared to 2016 and 2022. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between Chinese students and those from other countries. This suggests that the residential difficulties experienced by Chinese international students may not be primarily attributable to their nationality, but rather reflect challenges commonly faced by international students in general. Third, contrary to initial concerns, the overall quality of life conditions of Chinese international students were assessed as relatively positive. Nonetheless, satisfaction with the educational environment—closely related to students’ study-abroad experiences—was comparatively low and showed adeclinecomparedto2016,indicatingtheneedforfurtherinvestigationinto the underlying causes. Moreover, although residential difficulties did not significantly differ by nationality, the survey results indicating an overall increase in such difficulties highlight the necessity of comprehensive policy review and institutional support for international student management and assistance.

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