The Role of Social Media on Communication, Integration and Adaptation of International Students in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The research titled "The role of social media on communication, integration, and adaptation of international students in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during the COVID-19 pandemic" was conducted by a mixed-methodology involving a questionnaire based survey and a focus group interview with 313 and 10 international students respectively from various universities in TRNC. The study aimed to explore how social media facilitated communication, cohesion, and adaptation among international students from diverse cultural backgrounds during the pandemic. The findings of the study revealed several key points. The primal being language barrier which posed significant challenges for incoming students, particularly those unfamiliar with Turkish. However, one participant's proactive use of social media for learning Turkish before arrival highlighted its potential in bridging language gaps. The pandemic disrupted traditional forms of communication, pushing students to rely on social media for cross-cultural interactions. Translation services on social media platforms and Google search engine helped in facilitating effective communication among individuals with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Social media played a vital role in addressing integration and intercultural adaptation challenges. It helped combat stereotypes, educate students about local customs, and eased the adjustment process, particularly when students made preparations using social media before their arrival. Social media platforms not only facilitated communication but also nurtured social connections, helping students feel more at home in the TRNC. The study emphasized the effectiveness of social media as a primary source of communication during crises situations like the pandemic. It broke down language barriers, helped in the dissemination of accurate information, and played a crucial role in students' adaptation and integration. In summary, this research underscores the invaluable role of social media in addressing communication, integration, and intercultural adaptation challenges faced by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic in the TRNC.