Social studies teachers' views on the problems experienced by foreign students in education

Turkey has received migration from various countries in recent years, resulting in the enrollment of foreign nationals' children in the education system. Foreign nationality students, particularly in Antalya, constitute a significant portion of the population. The aim of this research is to identify the educational challenges faced by foreign nationality students based on the perspectives of social studies teachers. The research is designed using a qualitative research method. The study group consists of 21 social studies teachers who taught foreign nationality students in middle schools within the boundaries of Antalya province between 2022 and 2024, selected through criterion sampling and based on volunteers. Data for the research were collected through interview techniques using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and descriptive analysis. The findings are supported by direct quotations. The research identifies several challenges faced by foreign nationality students in the education process, including adaptation issues, language-related problems, family-related issues, peer bullying, and behavioral problems, with language being a primary underlying cause. Additionally, the research data indicate dimensions such as influencing factors, teacher approaches, elements improving over time, and advantageous circumstances. Considering that a lack of language proficiency is identified as a primary cause of the challenges faced by foreign nationality students in the education process in Antalya, it is recommended that all foreign nationality students undergo a preparatory period before entering the education process.