A Comparison of the Cross-cultural Adaptation between Foreign Teachers and International College Students in a First-tier City of Northern China

Purpose: To investigate of the life satisfaction and socio-cultural adaptation of the foreign teachers and students in mainland China. Procedures and Methods: The participants were selected different level of schools and institutions of Tianjin China randomly. Results and Conclusion: Female teachers were significantly older than men, while average duration was longer for males, proportion of European and American nationality, married status were higher in males also. Among students, the average age of the boys were elder, and the proportion of married, first time to China were higher for girls. Compared to students, more teachers were the first time came to China, and the duration in China were longer. Female's life satisfaction scores were higher for both teachers and students, while the scores of teachers were higher than students. Moreover, married status, came to China together with the whole family, stayed in China for more than one year and good social support could improve foreigners' adaptation, however the first time to China factor might reduce the level of cross-cultural adaptation.