Table 2.

General adjustment themes and sub-themes.

Themes	Sub-themes	Supporting quotations for each theme
General Adjustment	Cultural taboos	“Chinese people in Pakistan like to eat pork, which is prohibited, but people in this country do not consume pork due to their religious and cultural beliefs.” (CM19-OE)
		“When we first arrived, people advised us not to shake hands, especially with Chinese females because of their culture men could not shake hands with a female.” (CM15-SIE)
		“Pakistan is an Islamic state with a distinctive culture; as a result, visitors should exercise caution while interacting with locals. For instance, a friend of mine warned me that women would not appreciate it if I extended my hand to shake.” (CM6-SIE)
		“It’s important to remember that being a woman in a rural area means wearing the region’s traditional garb, which may include a shalwar kameez, a dupatta, and a veil. Big cities pose no such challenges, but tiny towns may treat you differently because of your gender.” (CF23-OE)
	Basic necessities	“Islamabad has a pleasant climate (neither too cool nor too warm), and the local cuisine is superb, especially karahi, naan, and BBQ, among many other options.” (CM4-SIE)
		“Once I was ill, I visited the hospital, and the doctors there prescribed me some medicines and gave me some good advice; the next day, I felt much better, and the doctors in Pakistan are experts, so I was pleased with the medical care I received.” (CM14-SIE)
		“When first I arrived in Pakistan, the cuisine and atmosphere of Pakistan were unfamiliar to me, but after 7 years in the country. I am now accustomed to both the food and surroundings.” (CM20-OE)
		“Currently, Pakistan’s government is conducting control and surveillance procedures on the hygiene and food beneath the restaurants, which could improve the hygiene of Pakistani food establishments.” (CF23-OE)