Abstract:

In this study, the place of digital platforms in the cultural, social and academic integration processes of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students in Turkey was addressed by the quality method. The aim of the study is to reveal the place of digital platforms in the processes of cultural, social and academic integration of international students in the countries they go for education, through the experiences of Chinese students in Turkey. The study collected data from 30 Chinese students who continue their education at higher education level in Turkey with a semi-built interview form. The study found that Chinese students provided partial cultural integration and that their social integration was lower. However, Chinese students in Turkey have been shown to be integrated into academic life. The fact that Chinese students again build more social relationships with Chinese students through digital platforms, both slowed their social integration and the development of the Turkish language. Also, this situation has a negative impact on the integration of academic life in the first year. Despite this negative impact, Chinese students will be able to develop their Turkish language and be integrated into the academic life, although they are not at the level they want in the next years. The active use of digital platforms in the context of the development of the Turkish culture by the Foreign Turkish and Related Communities Presidency [YTB], which provides scholarships to Chinese students, will be a positive contribution to the integration processes of Chinese students.

Keywords: