Being Student in a Foreign Country: Adaptation Problems and Solution Strategies

Authors : Mehmet GÜNEŞ, Özkan AYDAR

Pages : 363-382

Doi:10.19126/suje.544761

View : 53 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2019-08-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :There are many factors affecting psychology, motivation and success status of students. Especially with fast communication in the global world, these factors spread more quickly and takes broad masses under influence. Individuals studying in a geography different than their country have to adapt to a new geography, climate and culture besides ordinary charges that every student confronts in education process. In the context of this study examining education process of foreign students, the adaptation problems of foreign students studying in 2018 at Iğdır University and their coping strategies are emphasized. The study included 122 foreign students enrolled at Iğdır University. Two data collection methods are used in the work. One is a field survey technique based on quantitative data, other is a questionnaire using Michigan Foreign Student Problem Inventory. According to findings, essential problems encountered by foreign students are related to housing, socio-cultural activity facilities, relations with institutions, health insurance and leisure activities. In this study, it has been investigated whether there are significant differences between adaptation problems that students face and demographic variables such as age, gender, nationality, education level, education field, income sources, type of accommodation, the duration of living in Iğdır, and it has been tried to determine the coping strategies developed by these students against problems they face.
Keywords : Foreign student, Higher education, Adaptation, Problems, Solution Strategies

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