The challenges of studying overseas: The case study of international students at Akdeniz University, Turkey

This study was conducted by a student at Akdeniz University located in Turkey as part of one's academic requirement to investigate the challenges of studying overseas mainly focusing on international students at Akdeniz University. Even if international students can be psychologically prepared and financially stable when they move to another country especially which is far different from their own, they will face difficulties in completing their education. These difficulties maybe be living adjustment, academic struggles and language barriers, social challenges such as cultural differences and shock and last but not least discrimination. The study was undertaken using semi structured interviews as a data collection method. There were 30 international students who were interviewed and 10 were from Africa mainly Mali, Gabon, Congo, Somali, Ghana and Madagascar. Moreover, 10 were from Balkan countries; Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Russia, Macedonia and Romania specifically while the rest of the other ten international students were from Asia; China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Mongolia. The study examined factors that facilitated student migration where most of the students said that they came because they were granted scholarship and few said they came because they love Turkey. Moreover, the study investigated the benefits of studying overseas and based on the findings, a great number of them indicated that they have a learned a new different culture and others had an opportunity to network with different people. Few mentioned that they have become independent. The study also investigated the challenges international students faced at their place of destination and the findings revealed that most of them struggle with the language while others indicated the attitudes of the attitudes towards the foreigners. Furthermore, the study explored ways the international students adapted to the new environment/culture and most of them showed that they networked with other Turkish students and made friends while others just took upon them and adapted but others claimed that they have not adapted because of their anti-social characters. The data was analysed using content analysis as it is highly suitable for qualitative data. Some international migrants made recommendations pertaining to challenges faced by students studying overseas and a great number of them suggested that the medium language of instruction should be English. The researcher made a conclusion that both the institutions and international students should work hand in hand to help each other to overcome challenges that hinders international students to unleash their full potential academically. Keywords: International Students, Student Migration, Culture Shock, Challenges