Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In-depth interviews with international students of diverse genders, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds in Türkiye reveal insights into their academic and social experiences. Participants described how they form connections, navigate differences, and develop a sense of belonging, emphasizing open dialogue and attentive listening.
Recurring themes included the importance of language proficiency in shaping academic performance and social integration. Strong language skills helped students build friendships and gain confidence in daily interactions. Peer relationships, especially within university settings, also played a significant role by providing access to local culture and supporting students in understanding social norms. This process increased students' familiarity with their environment over time.
Students described a sense of belonging as developing gradually through repeated shared interactions, rather than being immediate. This underscores the evolving process of integration for international students in academic settings.