Abstract:

In this research, it is aimed to reveal the adaptation problems faced by international students during the Covid-19 pandemic process and the strategies to cope with these problems. The case study design was used in the study conducted with the qualitative research method. The study group of the study consists of six international students studying for postgraduate studies at Ege University in the academic year 2021-2022. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used for data collection and the content analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained. As a result of the analyses, it was revealed that the main problems that complicate the adaptation process of international students are communication problems and the negative effects of the pandemic period. Restrictions during the pandemic period have caused students to experience housing, economic and academic problems. Besides, the problems caused by socio-cultural differences and emotional problems were other remarkable problems experienced by the students. In order to solve their communication problems international students have tried to learn languages and they comply with the restrictions to reduce the negative effects of the pandemic. International students have been trying to develop friendships and get to know Turkish culture for coping with socio-cultural problems; allocating more time to study and attending activities in coping with academic problems; making friends and talking to family in coping with emotional problems.

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