Dr. Baohua Yu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English Language Education at the Education University of Hong Kong. Before that, she worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of New South Wales, research fellow at the City University of Hong Kong, and professional educational researcher at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She has also been involved in teaching English as a foreign language for about twenty years, and published in international refereed journals such as Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Language Teaching, Higher Education and International Journal of Intercultural Relations.  

Motivation in second language acquisition/education

Intercultural communication

Social psychology of language

Cross-cultural psychology

Quantitative research methods

Structural equation modelling

The Grammar of English in Academic Contexts

English for Academic Purposes

Language and Gender

Lexis, Morphology and Semantics

Intercultural Communication

Psycholinguistics and Second Language Acquisition

Honours Projects

Scholarly Books, Monographs and Chapters

  Chapter in an edited book (author)

• Yu, B. (2020). Understanding foreign Chinese learners in China: Voices of students from Asian and Western cultures. A. Akande, B. Adetoun & M. Adewuyi, Nova handbook of international psychology and allied disciplines: Individualism-collectivism and beyond (1-18). New York: Nova Science Publishers.
• Leung, Y. H. & Yu, B. (2020). Intercultural communication in the university: Policy and practices. Ali FARAZMAND, Global encyclopedia of public administration and public policy (1-10). USA: Springer.
• Yu, B. & Chai, W. (2020). Acculturation and globalization: Implications to university policy and administration. Ali Farazmand, Global encyclopedia of public administration and public policy (1-9). USA: Springer.
• Yu, B (2016). Traveling a Thousand Miles: Determinants of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Asian Students in Australia. R. B. King & A. B. I. Bernardo, The Psychology of Asian Learners: A Festschrift in Honor of David Watkins (441-457). Singapore/New York/London: Springer.

Journal Publications

  Publication in refereed journal

• Mu, Y. & Yu, B. (2021). Chinese college students’ intercultural competence: Current situation, barriers and solutions. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 56, 1-19.
• Yu, B. (2021). The role of willingness to communicate in the cross-cultural adaptation. Intercultural Education, Forthcoming, 1-12.
• Yu, B., Ding, F., & Yuan, R. (2020). Understanding the long-term impact of an overseas immersion programme on pre-service teachers’ learning to teach: A Hong Kong case. Educational Studies, Forthcoming, 1-15.
• Yu, B., Mak, A. S., & Bodycott, P (2019). Psychological and Academic Adaptation of Mainland Chinese Students in Hong Kong Universities. Studies in Higher Education, Online publication, 1-13.
• Yu, B., Vyas, L., & Wright E. (2019). Cross-cultural transitions in a bilingual context: The interplays between bilingual, individual and interpersonal factors and adaptation. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2019.1623224, Online publication, 1-20.
• Yu, B. (2019). The predicting roles of approaches to learning, L2 learning motivation, L2 learning strategies, L2 proficiency for learning outcomes: A comparison between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong students. Educational Studies, 45(4), 520-532.
• Yu, B., Bodycott, P., & Mak, A. S. (2019). Language Proficiency and Interpersonal Resources Predictors of Psychological and Sociocultural Adaptation: International Students in Hong Kong (doi:10.1177/1028315318825336). Journal of Studies in International Education, Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315318825336, Online publication, 1-17.
• Yuan, R., Li, S., & Yu, B. (2019). Neither "local" nor "global": Chinese university students' identity paradoxes in the internationalization of higher education. Higher Education, 77(6), 963-978.
• Vyas, L. & Yu, B. (2018). An investigation into the academic acculturation experiences of Mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong. Higher Education, 76(5), 883-901.
• Yu Baohua, Chau Lap, Kan, Hon Kin, Leung Yick Wah (2017). Languages development under the Bi-literacy and Tri-lingualism: A comparative study of language selection and learning motivation between Hong Kong and Chinese students. Chung Yuan Journal of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, 17, 81-122.
• Yu, B. & Wright, E. (2017). Academic adaptation amid internationalisation: The challenges for local, mainland Chinese, and international students at Hong Kong’s universities. Tertiary Education and Management, 23(4), 347-360.
• Yu, B. & Zhang, K. (2016). It’s more foreign than a foreign country": Adaptation and Experience of Mainland Chinese Students in Hong Kong. Tertiary Education and Management, 22(4), 300-315.
• Yu, B. & Wright, E. (2016). Socio-cultural adaptation, academic adaptation and satisfaction of international higher degree research students in Australia. Tertiary Education and Management, 22(1), 49-64.
• Yu, B. H. (2013). Asian international students at an Australian University: Mapping the paths between integrative motivation, competence in L2 communication, cross-cultural adaptation and persistence with structural equation modelling. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 34(7), 727-742.
• Zhang, Y. H., & Yu, B. H. (2013). The reliability issue of the world university ranking systems. Journal of National Academy of Education Administration, 2, 48-53.
• Yu, B. H. & Shen, H. Z. (2012). Predicting roles of linguistic confidence, integrative motivation and second language proficiency on cross-cultural adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 36, 72-82.
• Yu, B. H. & Downing, K. (2012). Determinants of international students’ adaptation: Examining effects of integrative motivation, instrumental motivation and second language proficiency. Educational Studies, 38(4), 457-471.
• Littlewood, W. & Yu, B. (2011). First language and target language in the foreign language classroom. Language Teaching, 44 (1), 64-77.
• Yu, B. H. (2010). Learning Chinese abroad: the role of language attitudes and motivation in the adaptation of international students in China. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 31(3), 301-32f1.
• Yu, B. H. & Watkins, D. (2008). Motivational and cultural correlates of second language acquisition: An investigation of international students in universities in the PRC. Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 31(2), 19.1-19.22.

Conference Papers

  Invited conference paper

• Yu, B. (2018, May). Languages development under the biliteracy and trilingualism: A comparative study of language choice and learning motivation between Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese students. Paper Presented in the International Conference on "English Language Education in the Chinese Context": Special Workshop on Multilingual Acquisition and Multilingual Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 4-5 May 2018, Hong Kong, China.

  Refereed conference paper

• Yu, B. (2019, July). The role of willingness to communicate in the cross-cultural adaptation. Paper Presented in 11th IAIR Biennial Conference and the 15th CAFIC Annual Conference, Shanghai International Studies University,8-10 July 2019, Shanghai, China.
• Yu, B., Mak, A. S., & Bodycott, P. (2019, July). Acculturation in s sibling culture: The psychological and academic adaptation of Mainland Chinese University students in Hong Kong. Paper Presented in 11th IAIR Biennial Conference and the 15th CAFIC Annual Conference, Shanghai International Studies University, 8-10 July 2019, Shanghai, China.
• Zadorozhnyy, A., & Yu, B. (2019, July). The importance of informal digital learning practices for English language acquisition. Conference Paper in the XXth International CALL Research Conference (SocialCALL) 2019, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10-12 July 2019, Hong Kong, China.
• Yu, B (2018, December). A mixed-method study of the socio-cultural adaptation of international students in Hong Kong Universities. Paper Presented in HKERA International Conference 2018, The Education University of Hong Kong, 14-15 Dec 2018, Hong Kong, China.
• Yu, B., Bodycott, P., & Mak, A. S. (2018, July). Language proficiency and interpersonal resources predictors of psychological and socio-cultural adaptation: International students in Hong Kong. Paper Presented in 2018 International Congress of IACCP, The University of Guelph, 1-5 July 2018, Guelph, Canada.
• Yu, B. (2018, June). Impact of short-term immersion program: Pre-service teachers’ development of intercultural communication competence and pedagogical belief. Paper Presented in 16th Asia TEFL International Conference, University of Macau, 27-29 June 2018, Macau, China.
• Yu, B., Bodycott, P., & Mak, A. S. (2018, March). Psychological and socio-cultural adaptation and experience of non-local students in Hong Kong: A case study at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). Paper Presented in CESHK 2018 Spring Annual Conference, The Education University of Hong Kong, 17-18 March 2018, Hong Kong, China.
• Yu, B. (2017, November). Academic adaptation amid internationalisation: The challenges for local, mainland Chinese, and international students at Hong Kong’s universities. Paper Presented in HKERA International Conference 2017, with theme “Innovation, Reform and Education, Change in a Contemporary World”, The Education University of Hong Kong, 30 Nov-2 Dec 2017, Hong Kong, China.
• Yu, B. (2016, July). Psychological and socio-cultural adaptation and experience of international students in Hong Kong universities. Paper Presented in the 23rd Congress of the International Association for Cross-cultural Psychology, Nagoya University, 29 July -3 August 2016, Nagoya, Japan.
• Yu, B. (2016, April). Academic Efficacy, academic adaptation and psychological adaptation between local, mainland and international students in Hong Kong universities. Paper Presented in 2016 Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong's (CESHK) Conference, The Education University of Hong Kong, 15-16 April 2016, Hong Kong, China.
• Yu, B. (2014, July). International research higher degree (IRHD) student in Australia: A mixed-method study. Paper Presented in HERDSA 2014 Conference: Higher Education in Globalized World, Hong Kong Baptist University, 8-10 July 2014, Hong Kong, China.
• YU, B. (2014, June). Determinants of intercultural adaptation in a second language: A comparison between mainland Chinese and other international students at an Australian university. Paper Presented in 5th Hong Kong Association for Applied Linguistics Conference, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 7 June 2014, Hong Kong, China.

  Other conference paper

• Yu, B. (2014, December). Asian international students at an Australian university: Mapping the paths between integrative motivation, competence in second language communication, cross-cultural adaptation, and persistence with structural equation modelling. Paper Presented in CLaSIC 2014, National University of Singapore, 4-6 Dec 2014, Singapore.

Language Enhancement at EdUHK and Beyond: Fostering a Community of Practice on Technology-enhanced Language Learning and Teaching

This project intends to achieve the following objectives: 1). Identify creative and effective use of technologies in language learning and teaching (English / Cantonese / Putonghua / other modern languages); 2). Investigate how such technologies help . . . Project Start Year : 2020  Chief Investigator(s) : WANG, Lixun 王立勛   (Dr YU, Baohua 喻寶華 as Co-Investigator)

Online-collaboration on Learning Motivation and Learning Experiences and Outcomes: Investigating the Key for Successful Online Learning in Universities across Hong Kong, Mainland and Macau

Aiming to address this research gap, this study is designed to explore the students’ learning motivation and learning experiences through online collaboration. Project Start Year : 2020  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Enhancing Assessment Literacy of Principals, Teachers and Students Through School-university Partnerships

The aim of this project is to develop assessment literacy in formative assessment in EFL writing among principals, teachers and students through school-university partnerships (SUPs) in support of the implementation and sustainability of formative as . . . Project Start Year : 2019  Chief Investigator(s) : MAK, Wing Wah Pauline 麥詠華   (Dr YU, Baohua 喻寶華 as Co-Investigator)

Enhancing Student's English Proficiency, Academic Achievement, Critical Thinking and English Learning Motivation through Digital and Traditional Story-telling 通過數字和傳統的故事講述提高學生的英語水平，學業成就，批判性思維和英語學習動機

This research aims at comparing the impact of digital and traditional story-telling methods on students’ English proficiency, academic achievement, critical thinking, and English learning motivation, which will be run through three major events seque . . . Project Start Year : 2019  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Professional identity and development of female University Teachers in big bay area

Based on the specific gender and career expectations towards female teachers in universities, this research focuses on the female teachers in colleges and universities in the Bay Area and discusses their professional identity and professional develo . . . Project Start Year : 2019  Chief Investigator(s) : SHAO,Yanju  (Dr YU, Baohua 喻寶華 as Co-Investigator)

Student-developed Digital Video Projects as a Way to Promote Students’ Autonomy and Digital Literacy Skills

The project will be conducted as a part of English language course for undergraduate students majoring English. The principle component of the present project will be based on students’ self-generated video projects, which will be aligned with partic . . . Project Start Year : 2019  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Towards a Multidimensional Approach to Studying the Cross-cultural Adaptation of Non-local Students in Hong Kong Universities

.. Project Start Year : 2019  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Learning Autonomy and Cross-border Adaptation of First Year Mainland Students in Hong Kong Universities

This research aims at investigating the cross-border learning experiences and its relationships with learning autonomy of first year Mainland students in Hong Kong Universities. (Project code: 17YJA880016) Project Start Year : 2017  Chief Investigator(s) : Ding Feng  (Dr YU, Baohua 喻寶華 as Co-Investigator)

Role of Willingness to Communicate in Adaptation of Asian International Students in Hong Kong Universities: Changes and Causes

The current study seeks to identify strategies that Asian international student from different cultures have taken to adapt and communicate successfully in the context of Hong Kong. The theoretical orientation of this study lies within two research a . . . Project Start Year : 2017  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Who Succeeds at University? Modelling Transition Effects of First Year Students’ Learning Experiences and Learning Outcomes at the Education University of Hong Kong

With the aim of developing our own understanding and local knowledge about how first year students at EdUHK transit into university and integrate into the academic disciplines, the proposed study examines how social, academic, and demographic predict . . . Project Start Year : 2016  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Acculturation Strategy, Willingness of Communicate and Adaptation of International students in Hong Kong

With their large and growing number in campuses worldwide, international students represent a significant proportion of sojourners. Such phenomenon also exists in universities in Hong Kong, where 14,512 non-local residents are enrolled in its univers . . . Project Start Year : 2015  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Assessing Trilingual Speaking Language Ability and Constructing Learning Resources at Hong Kong Institute of Education

In line with the objectives of the institute’s development, this project will assess the simultaneous interpreting ability of biliteracy and trilingualism (Cantonese, Putonghua and English) of students from different language backgrounds. The assessi . . . Project Start Year : 2014  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華 ; CHAU, Lap 周立 ; KAN, Hon Kin 簡漢乾

Psychological and sociocultural adaptation and experience of international students in Hong Kong

The globalization of higher education increases opportunities for students from different cultures to study in new cultural contexts. To be successful, international students must adapt psychologically and socioculturally to their host context. An un . . . Project Start Year : 2014  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Toward a Multidimensional Model of Acculturation, Willingness to Communicate and Adaptation: A Longitudinal Examination on Mainland Students in Hong Kong Universities

The internationalisation of higher education in Hong Kong has been accompanied by the influx of international students over the past two decades. Pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Hong Kong presents unprecedented opportunities for persona . . . Project Start Year : 2014  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Understanding Learning Experiences and Learning Outcomes of BED (EL) Students during Immersion Program

This research is to examine characteristics of students going on immersion program such as their motivation and intercultural student attitude and to understand whether there are significant changes after the immersions in key learning outcome/experi . . . Project Start Year : 2014  Chief Investigator(s) : YU, Baohua 喻寶華

Associate Editor for Educational Studies

External Examiner for a Ph.D. thesis submitted to University of Sydney, Australia.

External Examiner for a Ph.D. thesis submitted to Deakin University, Australia.

External Examiner for a master of research thesis from Western Sydney University in Australia.

External Examiner for a Ph.D. thesis submitted to Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, India.

External Examiner for a Ph.D. thesis submitted to St. Joseph's College of Education, India

External Examiner for Caritas Institute of Higher Education & Caritas Bianchi College of Careers

Frequent Journal Reviewer:

• Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development
• Studies in Higher Education
• Higher Education
• Journal of Studies in International Education
• International Journal of Intercultural Relations
• Tertiary Education and Management

Invited Journal Reviewer:

• Modern Language Journal
• Intercultrual Education
• Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education 
• Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education 
• Asia-Pacific Education Researcher 
• Educational Psychology
• Frontier of Education in China
• International Journal of Comparative Education and Development
• Asia Pacific Journal of Education
• Educational Research 
• Irish Educational Studies