Türkiye’de Öğrenim Gören Uluslararası Öğrencilerin Deneyimleri ve Yaşadıkları Psikososyal Sorunların Niteliksel Olarak Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

International students may have more difficulties than domestic students from the regions of their home countries. This study aims to qualitatively assess the experiences and psychosocial problems of international students studying in Turkey. The convinience sample of the study in the descriptive phenomenological research design was 50 students. Data were collected using the focus group interview. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA package program according to Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis steps. Participants' experiences and psychosocial problems were divided into 3 themes: Developmental Opportunities, Needs, and Adaptation Problems. It was found that being an international student helps students acquire social capital and identity. It was found that students have needs related to peer mentoring, language learning, socioeconomic opportunities, and the acculturation process. Students were found to have adjustment problems due to culture shock, prejudice, and discrimination. To overcome the difficulties in bureaucratic procedures, it is recommended that commissions for international students be established at the university and departmental levels. In order to facilitate the adaptation of students and improve the quality of education, it is recommended that the language learning period be extended. It is also suggested that scholarship and housing opportunities for Turkish students be extended to international students. It is recommended that universities, faculties, and departments create academic adjustment programmes and printed guides to facilitate the acculturation process of international students. Contact-oriented activities that bring the community, academics, and domestic students together with international students should reduce prejudice and discrimination.