An Analysis of Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Solutions for Chinese Students Studying in Italy

With the further development of China-Italy friendly relations, an increasing number of Chinese students go to Italy for further education. Due to the different social and cultural environments between China and Italy, those Chinese students studying in a foreign country face a huge challenge in overcoming cultural gaps and better integrating into local society. This paper chooses Chinese overseas students as the research object, using an empirical research method to analyze the cross-cultural adaptation problems in Italy. Through questionnaires and interviews, it aims to discover factors that may affect students' cultural acculturation. The study also introduces in detail the four stages and different characteristics of cultural acculturation they have experienced: fresh, honeymoon, crisis, recovery. Furthermore, combining qualitative research with quantitative research, through sorting out and analyzing collected data, the study finds that Chinese overseas students primarily struggle with academic pressure, psychological problems, language barriers, dietary habits, cultural differences, racial discrimination,etc. The research concludes that the most likely factors influencing them are language proficiency and financial issues. Finally, the paper integrates survey results and personal experience, linking the cross-cultural problems in reality with Italy's national context. It is recommended to use social resources such as Confucius Institutes, Internet, psychological counseling, and Social Supporting Organization to help Chinese overseas students successfully adapt to the culture and overcome psychological difficulties.