International Students Use AI Chatbots for Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Research published on arXiv (2605.15127) explores the utilization of conversational AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, by international students in the United States to address cultural difficulties. The study involved surveying 60 students and conducting interviews with 14 individuals. Results show that while AI is viewed as a quick-fix solution for urgent issues, students desire its evolution into a more robust support framework. The existing support landscape, which includes university resources and social connections, is disjointed, creating voids that AI can help to bridge. Additionally, the research outlines the connection between particular challenges and patterns of AI usage, highlighting motivations and limitations in its application.