Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Social Support as Determinants of Academic Success among International Students: A Review of the Literature

As international student mobility continues to increase globally, the academic success of Chinese international students in Malaysia presents an important area for research and policy development. This literature review explores how cross-cultural adaptation and social support influence academic performance. The review integrates findings from recent empirical studies and conceptual frameworks, categorizing adaptation into psychological, sociocultural, and academic domains. It identifies key mechanisms—including language proficiency, cultural intelligence, social support types, and identity negotiation—that shape the academic experience of international students. The findings indicate that cross-cultural adaptation and social support interact to enhance self-efficacy, reduce stress, and foster academic engagement. The review also highlights the importance of contextual factors such as regional differences and institutional practices. These insights contribute to the development of more inclusive and responsive support strategies in higher education systems, especially within multicultural environments like Malaysia.