How well students thrive abroad is vital to their study experience. This study investigates African and Asian international students’ psychological adjustment and motivation in China. Utilizing cross-sectional quantitative research design, 536 international students in Chinese universities participated in the study. The study found moderate psychological adjustment among participants, depending on the length of time spent in China. It also uncovered significant relationships between motivation and psychological adjustment as motivated sojourners reported enhanced modes of adjustment. However, the study found no significant differences among Africans and Asians, except for gender. The study offers insightful evidence about international students’ adjustment and motivations for improved and more rewarding interventions to minimize students’ homesickness and increase contentment and motivation.

Keywords: Psychological adjustment, study abroad motivation, international student mobility, African and Asian international students