The relationship between adjustment challenges, mental health, and coping strategies of international students in Türkiye

The increasing arrival of international students enrolling in Turkish universities has promoted interest in understanding their challenges and experiences while studying abroad. This study aimed to explore the relationship between adjustment challenges, coping strategies, and mental health of international students in Türkiye. Concurrently, it required to investigate the main experiences of these students residing in Türkiye, a topic that has showed limited research attention. The study covered a sample of 120 international students enrolled in Turkish language courses, randomly selected from various universities. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed. Quantitative data were subjected to correlation and regression analyses to examine the associations between adjustment challenges, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes. In parallel, a semi-structured interview was conducted with a subsample of ten participants to explore into their lived experiences and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis was utilized to capture and interpret the challenges and coping strategies reported by the interviewees. The results revealed significant negative correlations between adjustment challenges, coping strategies, and mental health among international students in Türkiye. The qualitative interviews provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these students and highlight on their adaptive coping strategies in the Turkish academic setting. Adjustment challenges and coping strategies emerged as significant predictors of the mental health outcomes for international students. This study's contributions are essential for counselors, educators, and institutions to guide international students effectively through their academic journey in Türkiye. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is warranted to enhance generalizability and deeper comprehension of the supportive measures required to overcome adjustment challenges and cultivate adaptive coping strategies among international students in Türkiye. This investigation attempts to promote the overall well-being and successful adaptation of international students and foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment in Türkiye. Keywords: Acculturation Stress, Coping Strategies, International Students in Türkiye, Mental Health, Support Programs.