Communication challenges faced by international students in turkey: international student issues at Istanbul Gelişim University

In this study, it is aimed to examine the problems experienced by international students studying at universities in Turkey. In this context, first of all, students' language problems, socio-cultural problems, financial problems, orientation problems and personal problems are examined. Then, it is examined whether the problems in question differ significantly according to the demographic characteristics of the students. In this context, this research was conducted in relational screening model. The sample of the research consists of 203 participants selected by convenient sampling method from foreign students who continue their education at Istanbul Gelişim University. The questionnaire form prepared to collect data within the scope of the research includes a sociodemographic information form and Michigan Foreign Student Problem Inventory. IBM SPSS v26 package program was used in the analysis of the data obtained in the research. Within the scope of the research, frequency analysis, reliability analysis, normal distribution analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, t-test and ANOVA analyzes were performed. As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that the least problem experienced by the participants was language problem, on the other hand, although the levels of socio-cultural adaptation problems, financial problems, orientation problems and personal problems were close to each other, the most common problem among them was personal problems. In addition, it has been determined that the problems experienced by international students are higher among students who are older, have poor financial situation, do not work in any job, have been in Turkey for a shorter period of time, have poor knowledge of Turkish, and have fewer friends.