Studying in a cosmopolitan city : how far can media help?

This paper is based on empirical research into media and cultural experiences of Chinese international students (Beijingese and Shanghaiese) who study in Australia (Sydney). Chinese students’ Internet usages and television consumption are the foci of the study, given that these are the two main forms of media consumption (except for phone usage) for this group. Living and studying in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, Chinese international students encounter a variety of cultures. The Internet and Australian television provide them with access to diverse cultures and facilitate their understanding of these cultures. Media play a positive role in helping them integrate into the host society, as well as be virtually connected with home. They show great cultural flexibility in consuming different media contents, and a good understanding of Western cultures. However, due to some limitations, such as their poor media access, media’s representational style, Chinese students’ cultural influences due to a powerful global media industry, as well as their real life experiences, the media world they encounter involves less cultural diversity. As a consequence, these students tend to form peer Chinese sub-groups, and have difficulty in integrating into the cosmopolitan/global life.