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Bridging Confucian Ethics and Global Citizenship: Innovative Moral Education Model for Chinese Overseas Students

作者

摘要

This research explores integrating Confucian ethics with global citizenship education for Chinese overseas students. We examine moral challenges when navigating between collectivist Confucian values and Western individualist frameworks. Our innovative model embraces ethical pluralism while preserving cultural identity. We propose practical teaching strategies including case-based learning, experiential education, and AI-driven tools. Our findings provide theoretical foundations and policy recommendations for institutions to support students in developing balanced moral identities that honor traditional values while fostering cross-cultural ethical competence in globalized contexts.

1 Introduction

1.1 Background and Significance

In recent years, the number of Chinese students studying abroad has been increasing year by year. According to statistics from the Ministry of Education, each year a large number of students go to Western countries to study in order to achieve academic success[1], gain career development opportunities, and participate in cross-cultural exchanges. Although globalization has provided these students with rich opportunities, it also brings profound moral and ethical challenges. In the complex international social environment, their cultural values, ethical norms, and moral expectations often differ from the concepts shaped by their educational background.

For Chinese international students, constructing a moral identity that aligns with their own cultural values in a globalized context is an important issue, especially when confronted with cultural environments that may not fully align with Confucian ethics[3]. As the core of traditional Chinese moral philosophy, Confucianism emphasizes core values such as "ren" (benevolence), "yi" (righteousness), "li" (propriety), and "zhong" (loyalty). These principles not only have a profound impact on social relationships and moral decision-making but also deeply shape the formation of personal virtues. However, in the Western educational system, individualism, critical thinking, and moral relativism predominate, which may lead to conflicts between the moral concepts of Chinese international students and the cultural expectations of their host countries.

As the status of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in international curricula continues to rise, how to integrate Confucian ethics into the framework of global moral education has become an urgent issue to be addressed. GCE advocates values such as social responsibility, intercultural competence, and moral leadership, which both align with and present certain tensions against Confucian thought. By constructing a model that integrates Confucian ethics with global citizenship, it is possible to better support Chinese students studying abroad in forming a moral identity rooted in traditional culture while adapting to the demands of multiculturalism. This study aims to explore an innovative moral education model, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for promoting moral development in a globalized context.

1.2 Research Objectives and Questions

To effectively address the complex issues faced by Chinese students studying abroad in moral education, this paper explores the connection between Confucian ethics and global citizenship education and attempts to answer the following key questions:

How can Confucian ethics be adapted within the framework of international moral education to meet the demands of globalization?

Which core elements of Confucian morality are most relevant to global citizenship education?

How can the integration of Confucian values be achieved without reinforcing cultural essentialism?

What are the main challenges in cultivating the moral identity of Chinese students studying abroad?

What ethical dilemmas might these students encounter in cross-cultural academic or social environments?

How can they strike a balance between Confucian values and the moral expectations of local cultures?

What innovative educational models can promote the integration of Confucian ethics and global citizenship awareness?

What teaching strategies can enhance students' ethical reasoning and adaptability?

How can schools, universities, and communities collaborate to support students' moral growth?

Through in-depth analysis of these questions, this study aims to provide new perspectives and solutions for the theory and practice of moral education in the context of globalization[2].

1.3 Methodology and Structure

This paper adopts a qualitative research approach, integrating literature review, case study, and theoretical analysis to propose an innovative model of moral education. The specific research methods are as follows:

Literature Review: This paper systematically reviews existing research results on Confucian ethics, global citizenship education, and moral development theories. This includes the interpretation of historical Confucian classic literature, the analysis of the current research status of contemporary Confucian ethics, and the exploration of policy documents related to global citizenship education.

Case Study: This study selects the real experiences of Chinese students studying abroad in different countries to reveal the challenges and successful experiences they encounter in moral dilemmas, cultural adaptation, and moral integration. These cases provide empirical evidence for understanding the practical application of Confucian ethics in a globalized context[4].

Theoretical Analysis: This paper combines modern moral education theories (such as Kohlberg's stages of moral development and Nussbaum's capabilities approach) with Confucian concepts to construct a theoretical framework for guiding the design and implementation of an educational model that integrates Confucian ethics with global citizenship awareness.

2 Geographic Influence on Urban Development

Moral education serves as the core foundation for shaping an individual's moral conduct and sense of social responsibility. For Chinese international students, understanding morality not only involves inheriting the Confucian ethical tradition but also finding a balance within the values advocated by global citizenship education. This section will explore the core principles of Confucian ethics, the fundamental concepts of global citizenship education, and the challenges Chinese students face in reconciling these moral frameworks within an international academic environment.

2.1 The Embodiment of Confucian Ethics in Moral Education

Confucian ethics, as the foundation of Chinese moral philosophy, has a history of over two thousand years. Its core ideas revolve around virtues, social harmony, and personal moral cultivation. The contents of "The Analects of Confucius", "Mencius", and "The Great Learning", still profoundly influence the moral concepts of Chinese people, including those studying abroad.

A core concept of Confucian moral education is self-cultivation. Confucius believed that moral cultivation begins with the individual and expands through the following levels:

1. Self-cultivation

2. Maintaining family harmony (governing the family)

3. Governing the state uprightly

4. Achieving world peace

This model indicates that moral leadership and global responsibility stem from self-discipline and moral cultivation. Another key principle is social harmony (harmony), which places collective well-being above individual desires. Unlike Western societies that emphasize moral reasoning based on universal rights, Confucian ethics advocate a context-dependent moral perspective, where decisions should be guided by maintaining social balance and fulfilling relational obligations.

Although Confucian ethics have a long history, they still hold significant importance in modern moral education. In many East Asian countries, the education system continues to emphasize respect for teachers and elders, hierarchical social relationships, and moral responsibility. However, with globalization promoting cross-cultural exchanges and interactions, how to integrate Confucian moral education with contemporary global citizenship principles has become an important issue. The challenge lies in preserving the core values of Confucianism while cultivating moral capabilities that are adaptable to different cultural backgrounds.

2.2 Challenges Faced by Chinese International Students

Chinese international students often encounter moral dilemmas when confronted with different ethical systems. The conflict between Confucian values and Western moral frameworks may lead to cultural adaptation difficulties, identity conflicts, and challenges in making moral decisions.

Cultural Adaptation and Moral Dilemmas

Transitioning from an education environment influenced by Confucianism to a Western academic setting may bring about cultural and ethical challenges:

Collectivism vs. Individualism: Confucian ethics emphasize group harmony and social obligations, while Western ethics prioritize individual autonomy and individual rights.

Authority vs. Questioning: Confucian education advocates respect for authority, whereas the Western education system encourages critical thinking and challenging established norms.

Moral Relativism vs. Absolutism: Western moral education often adopts a relativistic stance, while Confucian morality is rooted in tradition and hierarchical relationships.

These differences may cause Chinese students to feel confused when dealing with ethical issues such as academic integrity, workplace ethics, and social activities.

Differences between Confucian and Western Ethical Views

There are significant differences between the Confucian and Western ethical frameworks in key ethical areas:

Justice vs. Harmony: Western ethics typically prioritize justice and fairness, while Confucianism values maintaining harmony, even if it requires compromise.

Rule-based vs. Relationship-based Morality: Western moral systems (such as Kantian ethics) focus on universal principles, while Confucian ethics rely on the context of relationships.

Duty vs. Choice: In Confucian societies, moral behavior is usually based on responsibility, while in Western societies, morality is more often seen as a personal choice.

These differences may make it difficult for Chinese students to handle moral decisions in a Western environment, especially when personal beliefs conflict with institutional expectations.

Identity Negotiation and Value Conflicts

Many Chinese students studying abroad experience moral and identity conflicts:

They may feel pressured to conform to Western values while still wanting to adhere to their Confucian upbringing.

They may struggle with moral ambiguity as moral expectations shift between their home culture and the culture of the host country.

When their moral choices challenge family or societal expectations, they may experience psychological stress.

Understanding the theoretical basis mentioned above is crucial for designing a moral education model that integrates Confucian ethics with global citizenship. The following sections will propose teaching strategies and curriculum models to help Chinese students studying abroad develop the ability to handle moral challenges while maintaining their cultural identity.

3 Innovative Moral Education Model

In the context of globalization, Chinese students studying abroad face complex moral challenges amid the interweaving of Confucian ethics and global moral concepts. It is particularly important to construct a well-structured and adaptable moral education model. This model aims to help students integrate Confucian ethics and global citizenship in a meaningful way, thereby better addressing moral dilemmas in cross-cultural environments. This section first outlines the core principles of integrating these two ethical frameworks, then explores effective teaching strategies, and analyzes how to implement this model in an international educational setting.

3.1 Principles of Integrating Confucian Ethics with Global Citizenship Awareness

To design a moral education model that meets the needs of Chinese international students, the following three core principles must be established:

Ethical pluralism: Bridging traditional and modern moral perspectives.Ethical pluralism emphasizes the possibility of multiple moral systems coexisting, allowing individuals to draw wisdom from different traditions based on specific circumstances. Over-reliance on a single Confucian ethic or Western global citizenship model may lead to moral confusion or identity conflicts. Therefore, moral education should focus on the following aspects:

Guide students to critically examine Confucian ethics and global moral principles, avoiding treating them as opposites.

Highlight the complementarity between the two frameworks, such as the concept of social harmony advocated by Confucianism and the spirit of collaboration in global citizenship.

Provide historical and philosophical background to show how moral systems evolve with social changes, thereby enhancing students' depth of understanding.

By adopting ethical pluralism, students can be exposed to diverse ethical viewpoints while maintaining their own cultural values, thereby forming a more adaptable moral identity.

Cultivating Moral Reasoning Skills: Dialogue and Reflection

Modern moral education should not be confined to prescribing fixed moral norms but should focus on developing students' moral reasoning skills, that is, the ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply ethical principles in different situations. This can be achieved through the following approaches:

Encourage students to engage in Socratic dialogues and debates around contemporary moral dilemmas to enhance their ethical judgment.

Design comparative ethics exercises that enable students to deeply analyze the similarities and differences between Confucianism and the global citizen perspective on key issues such as social justice, environmental ethics, and human rights.

Introduce self-reflection practices (such as journaling and group discussions) to help students internalize moral teachings as part of their personal experiences and strengthen their moral cognition.

By cultivating critical moral reasoning abilities, students can better cope with complex and ever-changing cross-cultural ethical challenges.

Balancing Personal Responsibility and Collective Well-being

The moral education model based on Confucianism needs to reconcile the tension between the individual autonomy emphasized in global citizenship education and the collective well-being valued in Confucian ethics. This balance can be achieved through the following approaches:

Cultivating moral leadership to guide students in making responsible decisions that benefit both themselves and the community.

Encouraging socially responsible autonomy, enabling individuals to fully consider the impact on society when exercising their freedom, and achieving the harmonious unity of personal and collective interests.

Promoting the ethic of reciprocity, viewing obligations as mutual responsibilities for promoting the well-being of both individuals and the collective, rather than as restrictions or burdens.

This principle ensures that students will not be trapped in the binary opposition between personal interests and social responsibilities, but rather learn to seek a balance between the two and achieve a harmonious unity.

3.2 Teaching Strategies

To transform the aforementioned principles into concrete educational practices, it is necessary to adopt effective teaching strategies to ensure that moral education is both engaging and relevant to real life.

Case-based learning offers students real-world moral dilemmas, enabling them to apply ethical reasoning in specific contexts. This approach is particularly suitable for overseas students who frequently encounter cross-cultural moral conflicts.

Case study examples:

Academic integrity dilemma: By studying the different views of plagiarism in Confucian and Western educational traditions, it prompts students to deeply reflect on ethical reasoning in different academic cultures.

Business ethics scenario: By comparing Confucian business ethics (such as relationship trust and relationship networks) with Western transparency-oriented ethics in multinational companies, it deepens students' understanding of business ethics.

Social responsibility debate: By exploring the differences between Confucian views on hierarchical responsibility and grassroots activism in global citizenship, it cultivates students' moral decision-making abilities in a multicultural context.

By addressing these moral dilemmas, students can transform abstract moral principles into flexible ethical frameworks and enhance their practical application abilities.

Experiential Learning: Community Engagement and Service Learning

Experiential learning offers students the opportunity to practice moral decision-making in real-world settings. Service learning projects, in particular, can combine the Confucian emphasis on social responsibility with the global citizenship focus on civic engagement.

Possible experiential learning projects include:

Cross-cultural mentorship program: Arrange for Chinese students to interact with the local community to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation and enhance their cultural adaptability.

Volunteer activity project: Focusing on global issues (such as poverty reduction and sustainable development), enable students to put moral principles into practice and cultivate their sense of social responsibility.

Role-playing simulation: Through forms such as moral negotiation workshops, allow students to address moral conflicts from both Confucian and Western perspectives and improve their cross-cultural communication skills.

Experiential learning reinforces moral values through practice, making ethical education no longer confined to the theoretical level but closely integrated with real life.

Digital Tools and AI-Driven Personalized Moral Education

With the advancement of technology, AI-driven educational tools have opened up new possibilities for personalized moral learning. Digital platforms can:

Offer adaptive moral simulations, allowing students to make decisions in virtual scenarios and receive real-time feedback, enhancing their moral judgment abilities.

Utilize machine learning to analyze students' moral reasoning patterns and provide customized guidance and suggestions to meet their individualized learning needs.

Build global discussion forums, enabling students from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in moral debates with the support of AI, broadening their international perspectives.

Integrating digital tools into moral education can significantly enhance its accessibility, interactivity and pertinence, providing students with a more enriched learning experience.

4 Case Studies and Best Practices

To better integrate Confucian ethics and global citizenship awareness into the moral education of overseas Chinese students, it is necessary to delve into existing educational models, successful practical experiences, and areas that still need improvement. This section, through case studies, introduces the specific practices of Confucian moral education in overseas Chinese institutions, conducts a comparative analysis of moral education methods between the East and the West, and points out the key challenges in promoting cross-cultural ethical understanding.

4.1 The Practice of Confucian Ethics in Overseas Chinese Schools and Institutions

Many overseas Chinese schools and educational institutions have integrated Confucian moral education into their curriculum design, with the aim of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to the educational norms of their host countries. These institutions not only pass on traditional Chinese values but also help students better adapt to new social environments, serving as a bridge between the two cultures.

Existing Confucian Moral Education Models Abroad

1. Chinese Supplementary Schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia

Weekend Schools: Many overseas Chinese communities have established weekend schools where students can learn Chinese and be exposed to Confucian moral values.

Classical Texts: The curriculum typically includes Confucian classics such as "The Analects of Confucius", "The Three-Character Classic", and "The Great Learning".

Core Concepts: The schools emphasize the cultivation of respect for elders, family responsibility, and community participation to reinforce the core values of Confucian ethics.

2. Confucius Institutes and Cultural Exchange Programs

Global Promotion: Confucius Institutes are located in many universities around the world, spreading Confucian philosophy to students by offering courses on Chinese culture and ethics.

Modern Application: Some programs combine Confucian ethics with global responsibility and leadership, demonstrating its practical significance in contemporary society.

3. Chinese International Schools

Integrated Model: In regions with a significant Chinese diaspora (such as Singapore and Malaysia), international schools blend traditional Chinese moral education with the Western academic system.

Teaching Characteristics: These schools incorporate Confucian ethics into character education while employing teaching methods that emphasize critical thinking and individual autonomy, providing students with a diverse learning experience.

4.2 Methods of Global Moral Education

To develop more effective moral education models, we can draw on the best global practices and compare the moral education systems of different countries.

Comparative Analysis of Western and Eastern Moral Education Models

Feature Confucian Moral Education (Eastern) Global Citizenship Education (Western)
Moral Foundation Ethical relationships, hierarchy, and collective well - being Individual rights, justice, and universal ethics
Pedagogical Approach Rote memorization, teacher - led instruction, moral exemplars Critical thinking, student - led inquiry, ethical debates
Role of Community Moral development occurs within familial and social structures Emphasis on individual moral responsibility and civic engagement
Application of Ethics Context - based morality, balancing duties and harmony Principle - based ethics, focusing on universal moral rules
Table 1.

Implications from International Best Practices

1. Finland: Comprehensive Moral Education

Subject Integration: The Finnish education system integrates moral education into all subjects, encouraging students to think about moral issues in real-life contexts.

Interactive Learning: Schools emphasize discussion-based learning, allowing students to explore moral dilemmas from multiple perspectives.

Implications for Confucian Moral Education: Confucian moral education could adopt more interactive and discussion-based approaches rather than relying solely on the study of classic texts.

2. Japan: Morality as Social Responsibility

Compulsory Courses: Japan has made moral education a compulsory subject, emphasizing social harmony, empathy, and public responsibility.

Case-Based Teaching: Schools cultivate students' ability to make moral choices through real-life scenarios and case studies.

Relevance: Confucian moral education can be enhanced by adopting the case-based teaching method to help students better apply Confucian values in modern contexts.

3. Canada: Multicultural Moral Education

Cultural Inclusiveness: The moral education approach in Canada emphasizes multicultural ethics, teaching students to appreciate different moral systems.

Experiential Learning: Educational programs incorporate experiential learning activities such as volunteer work and community service to cultivate students' moral behavior.

Implications for Overseas Students: Confucian moral education for overseas students should include cross-cultural communication content to help them maintain their Confucian moral roots in a global perspective.

Through a comprehensive analysis of the existing Confucian moral education models, global best practices, and key challenges, we recognize the need to adopt a hybrid approach to effectively integrate Confucian ethics with global citizenship education. While overseas Chinese schools and institutions have achieved remarkable success in preserving traditional values, they still need to incorporate more interactive, discussion-based, and experiential learning methods. Drawing on the best practices of international moral education can help build a more adaptable and globally relevant moral framework for overseas Chinese students. In the future, educators and policymakers should strive to bridge cultural differences, address misunderstandings, and create a dynamic moral education model that enables students to play a moral leadership role in an interconnected world.

5 Policy and Practical Suggestions

To achieve the deep integration of Confucian ethics with the global citizenship education of overseas Chinese students, systematic adjustments are needed at the institutional policy and educational strategy levels to support moral development in a multicultural context. This section will explore key policy recommendations, the role of technology in promoting moral education, and future research directions, all of which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the process of moral identity formation among overseas Chinese students.

5.1 Institutions and Educational Strategies

(1) Integrating Confucian Ethics into Global Education Policies

1. Confucian Ethics in the International Education Framework

Policy makers and educators should fully recognize the significant value of Confucian ethics as a valuable moral framework and incorporate it as a core complement to global education initiatives.

International organizations such as UNESCO and OECD can promote the development of moral pluralism and enhance intercultural understanding by integrating Confucian moral principles into global competence frameworks[5].

Colleges and schools can develop interdisciplinary courses that integrate Confucian ethics with global citizenship, human rights, and sustainable development education, building a comprehensive and culturally adaptive education system.

2. Cooperation between China and International Educational Institutions

Establish cross-cultural academic partnerships, design courses that integrate Confucian values with contemporary ethical discussions, and promote in-depth cultural exchanges and understanding.

Promote student exchange programs that include moral philosophy and cross-cultural ethics training to enhance students' global perspectives and cross-cultural adaptability, helping them better cope with the challenges of globalization.

Overseas Chinese schools can collaborate with local institutions to coordinate moral education methods, taking into account both local needs and international standards, to ensure that students receive systematic and comprehensive ethical education.

3. Moral Training in Orientation Programs

Many Chinese international students face complex moral challenges in academic integrity, professional ethics, and social interaction. Universities should establish specialized moral orientation workshops to introduce students to the moral norms of the host country and reinforce the core Confucian values of "xin" (integrity) and "yi" (justice), helping them quickly adapt to the new environment and resolve moral conflicts. These programs should incorporate case studies and use role-playing and interactive discussions to help students better cope with moral challenges in the new cultural context.

(2) Tailored Programs for Chinese International Students

1. Culturally Adaptive Moral Education Courses

Schools and universities should develop culturally adaptive courses that place Confucian ethics in the context of global issues such as environmental ethics, corporate responsibility, and human rights, enhancing students' global responsibility and critical thinking skills. These courses can use case studies, practical teaching, and group discussions to guide students in applying Confucian values to real-world moral decision-making and cultivate their ability to solve complex ethical problems.

2. Mentorship and Peer Support Networks

In a new cultural environment, many Chinese international students may encounter value conflicts and moral dilemmas. Establishing mentorship programs that match students with professional mentors who have both Confucian and global perspectives can provide personalized moral guidance and support, helping them balance traditional values with modern ethical requirements. Developing peer discussion groups can encourage students to engage in cross-cultural moral debates and reflective exercises, enhancing their critical thinking and moral reasoning skills while fostering teamwork spirit.

3. Service Learning and Community Engagement

Encourage Chinese international students to actively participate in community service projects that emphasize moral responsibility and social harmony (ren), cultivating their sense of social responsibility and citizenship while deepening their understanding of the local culture. Universities should promote cross-cultural volunteer activities, allowing Chinese students to work with peers from diverse backgrounds to solve ethical issues in the community, promoting mutual understanding and collaborative spirit, and achieving the dual goals of personal growth and social contribution.

5.2 Technology and Digital Learning

(1) AI-driven Moral Education Tools

1. Personalized Ethical Training Platform

An AI-based platform can deeply analyze students' ethical decision-making patterns and provide targeted moral reasoning training to enhance their ethical sensitivity and cross-cultural adaptability. An adaptive learning system can recommend suitable Confucian ethical principles based on students' study experiences and cultural backgrounds abroad, helping them more effectively deal with cross-cultural moral challenges while maintaining their cultural identity.

2. Gamification and Virtual Ethical Simulation

Universities and institutions can develop AI-based ethical dilemma simulation tools to allow students to experience the moral decision-making process under Confucian and global ethical frameworks through virtual scenarios, enhancing their ethical sensitivity and decision-making abilities. Gamification methods such as interactive narratives and role-playing can help students deeply understand ethical issues in cross-cultural environments and explore diverse moral perspectives, thereby improving their comprehensive qualities.

(2) Virtual Cross-Cultural Exchange Platforms

1. Online Cross-Cultural Ethics Forums

Establish virtual discussion platforms to offer overseas Chinese students the opportunity to engage in in-depth exchanges on ethical topics with their global peers, promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding. These platforms should encourage constructive cross-cultural debates on moral issues, helping students reconcile Confucian values with global ethical principles and achieve a win-win situation of cultural integration and personal growth.

2. Digital Ethics Case Study Repository

Establish an online resource library of real-world ethical case studies covering topics such as academic integrity, business ethics, and social justice, providing students with rich learning materials and practical opportunities. Utilize an AI-driven discussion forum to facilitate multi-dimensional discussions on ethical issues among students and enable them to receive professional feedback from diverse cultural perspectives, helping them develop a more comprehensive and profound moral understanding.

By integrating Confucian ethics into global education policies, making full use of digital technology for moral learning, and conducting in-depth research on the formation of moral identity, educators and policymakers can build a more comprehensive moral education system for Chinese overseas students. These suggestions not only help students retain their traditional cultural values but also cultivate the ethical sensitivity and cross-cultural adaptability needed in a globalized context. Looking to the future, close collaboration among educators, researchers, and policymakers is crucial for cultivating a new generation of citizens with high moral awareness and global responsibility.

6. Conclusion

6.1 Summary of Key Findings

This study aimed to explore how Confucian ethics can be integrated into global citizenship education to promote the moral growth of Chinese international students. Through an in-depth analysis of the theoretical foundations of Confucian morality and global citizenship, this paper reveals the multiple challenges that Chinese students face in their cross-cultural moral adaptation process. By conducting case studies and evaluating best practices, we identified existing models of Confucian moral education abroad and systematically compared them with Western approaches, while also proposing specific strategies to bridge cultural differences. To facilitate this integration, we designed an innovative moral education model based on ethical pluralism, interactive teaching methods, and tailored curriculum design. Additionally, we put forward policy and practical recommendations, emphasizing the importance of institutional support, digital learning technologies, and mentorship programs. Finally, we outlined future research directions, including longitudinal studies on moral identity formation and comparative analyses of different moral education frameworks.

6.2 Significance for International Education and Moral Development

The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for international education and moral development, especially in enhancing the cultural adaptation ability, ethical reasoning ability, and identity recognition of Chinese international students. The specific impacts are as follows:

1. Re-defining Moral Education in the Context of Globalization

The traditional model of moral education needs to be expanded to incorporate ethical perspectives from diverse cultures, thereby fostering a global outlook among students.Schools and universities should embrace ethical pluralism and assist students in developing a balanced and inclusive moral identity by integrating Confucian ethics with global ethical principles.

2. Strengthening Cross-cultural Ethical Competence

Educators should develop relevant courses to guide students in effectively resolving ethical dilemmas in multicultural environments.Case-based learning, experiential moral education, and AI-driven ethical tools can help students flexibly apply Confucian values in a globalized context.

3. Policy Adjustments for Chinese International Students

Educational institutions and policymakers should design specialized programs to support the moral development of Chinese international students and enhance their cross-cultural adaptability.Strengthening student support networks, moral guidance programs, and mentorship initiatives can help students establish a stable and resilient moral identity in an unfamiliar cultural environment.

6.3 Thoughts on Ethical Pluralism and Global Citizenship

In an era of deepening globalization, moral education needs to break through the limitations of a single ethical framework and shift towards ethical pluralism - a model that acknowledges the coexistence and mutual complementarity of multiple moral traditions. Confucian ethics, with its emphasis on social harmony, personal cultivation, and collective responsibility, offers significant insights for global citizenship education. At the same time, exposure to global moral frameworks helps Chinese students studying abroad develop moral adaptability and cross-cultural ethical reasoning skills.

The construction of a sustainable and inclusive moral education model cannot be achieved without close cooperation among educators, policymakers and researchers. By integrating Confucian ethics with global citizenship education, we can cultivate a new generation of Chinese students studying abroad who are not only deeply rooted in their own cultural traditions but also possess a global perspective and a sense of moral responsibility, enabling them to address the increasingly complex ethical challenges in the globalized world.

References

[1]Wang, Y., & Li, X. (2021). Integrating Confucian Ethics into Global Citizenship Education: A Case Study of Chinese Students in the UK. Journal of Moral Education, 50(3), 321-337.

[2]Zhang, H., & Chen, J. (2022). Moral Dilemmas of Chinese International Students: A Confucian Perspective. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 89(4), 45-60.

[3]Liu, M., & Thompson, R. (2021). Global Citizenship Education and Confucian Ethics: Bridging the Gap in Higher Education. Higher Education Research & Development, 40(5), 789-804.

[4]Chen, L., & Smith, K. (2023). Cultural Adaptation and Moral Identity: Challenges for Chinese Students Abroad. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 54(2), 178-195.

[5]Wu, J., & Brown, A. (2022). Service Learning as a Tool for Integrating Confucian Ethics and Global Citizenship: A Pilot Study. Journal of Experiential Education, 45(1), 67-82.

如何引用

Jing Jianzhao, Wang Xuemin, Sun Ping, & Hou Mengdi. (2025). Bridging Confucian Ethics and Global Citizenship: Innovative Moral Education Model for Chinese Overseas Students. Journal of Sociology and Education, 1(1), 9–21. 取读于 从 http://8.219.207.158/index.php/JSE/article/view/370
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参考

Wang, Y., & Li, X. (2021). Integrating Confucian Ethics into Global Citizenship Education: A Case Study of Chinese Students in the UK. Journal of Moral Education, 50(3), 321-337.

Zhang, H., & Chen, J. (2022). Moral Dilemmas of Chinese International Students: A Confucian Perspective. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 89(4), 45-60.

Liu, M., & Thompson, R. (2021). Global Citizenship Education and Confucian Ethics: Bridging the Gap in Higher Education. Higher Education Research & Development, 40(5), 789-804.

Chen, L., & Smith, K. (2023). Cultural Adaptation and Moral Identity: Challenges for Chinese Students Abroad. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 54(2), 178-195.

Wu, J., & Brown, A. (2022). Service Learning as a Tool for Integrating Confucian Ethics and Global Citizenship: A Pilot Study. Journal of Experiential Education, 45(1), 67-82.