Cultural Exchange among Indigenous Turkish Cypriot Students and Educational Tourists at the Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus

This research studies the nature of cultural exchange between indigenous Turkish/Cypriot and Nigerian students studying at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus (TRNC) in the city of Famagusta. The study used qualitative approach in order to develop an in-depth understanding of the issue. In order to collect data, semi-structured interviews were conducted both with the Turkish Cypriot students and Nigerian Students. Interviews conducted supplied valuable data about the nature and types of friendships, and the impacts of these experiences regarding the Turkish Cypriot and Nigerian students. The results showed that both the Nigerian and the Turkish Cypriot students welcomed each other and were ready to exchange and learn from their cultural differences which aided a strong relationship between both groups. Keywords: North Cyprus, educational tourism, cultural exchange, acculturation.