Collectivism at the Table, Individualism in the Self: Food as a Medium of Intercultural Adaptation

This study explores the role of food practices in the intercultural adaptation of Chinese international students in the UK from the perspective of the Confucian moral reasoning. Drawing on the dual orientation of Confucian collectivism and individualism, the research investigates how food-related behaviours reflect students’ identity negotiation and social integration within a complex intercultural environment. Using a qualitative methodology, the study employs photo interviews to capture participants’ personal experiences and interpretations of their food practices during their adaptation process. Findings show that shared meals with co-nationals foster belonging and reinforce national identity, reflecting Confucian collectivist values, while engaging with diverse food cultures encourages self-reflection and identity exploration, revealing emerging individualist tendencies and a move toward cosmopolitanism. These dual patterns highlight food as both a starting point and central medium in Chinese students’ intercultural adaptation. The study offers practical implications for UK higher education institutions, suggesting that food can be a valuable tool for fostering inclusivity and supporting the cultural integration of students from Confucian backgrounds within the university environment.