Vol. 12 No. 4 (2025)
Journal Space and Culture, India

Research

Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges Faced by International Students in Türkiye: A Psychological Perspective

Published 2025-03-29

  • Raisa Alatas
    • ,
  • Idil Sayimer

Raisa Alatas
Department of Communication Sciences, Communication Faculty, Kocaeli University, Türkiye & Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Tadulako University, Indonesia

Idil Sayimer
Department of Public Relations and Publicity, Communication Faculty, Kocaeli University, Türkiye

Abstract

This study examined the cross-cultural challenges faced by international students in Türkiye, with perceptions of discrimination and stereotyping recurring as key themes. It included prejudice and exclusion based on nationality or ethnicity, further complicating communication dynamics and a sense of belonging. International students in Türkiye face unique challenges when adjusting to a new educational environment, and one of the primary barriers they encounter is the language. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the cross-cultural communication challenges faced by International Students in Türkiye from a psychological perspective, deploying qualitative methods with a case study approach. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explored the lived experiences of international students, aiming to determine the psychological mechanisms underlying their communication difficulties during acculturation in an unfamiliar academic and social environment. These findings reveal various challenges arising from language barriers, cultural differences, and the negotiation of identity. Moreover, language emerged as a significant barrier, with international students expressing frustration and anxiety due to their limited language skills, which hindered their ability to engage in academic discourse and social interactions. Language is crucial, while the physical and social environment influences the adaptation process. A proactive attitude facilitates integration despite barriers such as racism and stereotypes. It is then crucial to consider cultural influences in psychology, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. The experience of international students in Türkiye highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue, emphasising the need to understand different perspectives.

Keywords

Case Studies, Communication Barriers, International Students, Higher Education, Türkiye

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Author Biography

Raisa Alatas

Raisa Alatas is a PhD candidate in the Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication, at Kocaeli University, Türkiye. She is also a Lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Science, at Tadulako University, Indonesia (since 2019-present). Her research interests include intercultural communication, cross-cultural communication, terrorism and Islamic communication, as well as communication and artificial intelligence. Her latest conference presentation, The Effectiveness of AI Algorithms in CSR Issues in the Mining Sector and Worker Safety at the IMIP Nickel Company was held at Istanbul Arel University (2024). Additionally, Atlantis Press published her most recent publication, Combating Radicalism and Communicating Peace: A Case Study of the Deradicalization Process of the Terrorism-Impacted Area of Gunung Biru, as part of Springer Nature (2025).

Idil Sayimer

Professor İdil Sayimer is the Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Kocaeli University, Türkiye (November 2024–present). She has been the Head of the Public Relations Department since 2011 and the Head of the New Media Center since 2017. She obtained her MA and PhD degrees from Istanbul University, Faculty of Communication, in the Public Relations and Publicity program. Her research interests include public relations, digital marketing communications, new media, and intercultural and interpersonal communications.

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