Abstract:

In this study, it is purposed to examine the concerns and views of international university students about natural disasters. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with 16 international students studying at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University in the spring term of 2022-2023. The study was carried out with the interview method, which is one of the qualitative research techniques. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. While creating the interview form, detailed literature was searched and the opinions of experts in disaster management, health management, social work and qualitative research methods were used. The obtained data were analyzed with the MAXQDA program. As a result of the analysis, 1 main theme and 3 sub-themes were created. As a result of the study, it has been determined that there are participants who are both concerned and not concerned about natural disasters that have been or may be experienced in Turkey. It was determined that the reasons for not concern were the fact that they did not live before and their religious faith. In addition, it was concluded that the participants were affected by the natural disasters in Turkey and this was related to living in Turkey and knowing Turkish. Additionally, it has been determined that participants are affected by natural disasters both in their daily lives and emotionally. These effects have been observed in the form of changes in education, reduced use of social media, increased communication with family, feelings of sadness, fear, and panic.

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