Abstract

The present study aims to delve into the influence of cultural intelligence (CQ) on the intercultural adaptation of Chinese international students in Thailand, while examining the mediating role of intercultural effectiveness and the moderating role of perceived school service quality. A survey questionnaire was administered to Chinese international students in Thailand, utilizing a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling. A total of 600 formal questionnaires were distributed, resulting in the collection of 491 valid responses. The findings reveal that: CQ exhibits a positive and significant impact on the intercultural adaptation of Chinese students in Thailand; CQ also positively and significantly influences intercultural effectiveness among these students; and intercultural effectiveness, in turn, positively and significantly affects their intercultural adaptation. Notably, intercultural effectiveness serves as a significant mediator between CQ and intercultural adaptation among Chinese students in Thailand. Furthermore, perceived school service quality is identified as a significant moderating factor in the relationship between CQ and intercultural adaptation of these students.