International students’ adaptation in Ankara: The mediating roles of anxiety and self-esteem

Abstract

With globalization, the appeal of studying abroad has grown among university students seeking better educational and career opportunities. However, adapting to a new culture often presents significant challenges, especially as international students face language barriers, cultural differences, and stressors that affect their anxiety, self-esteem, and identity development. Despite the importance of these factors, research on this topic in Turkey remains limited. This study addresses this gap by assessing general anxiety levels of students and examining the relationship between adaptation and identity development among international students, using cross-sectional quantitative methods and self-reported questionnaires. Data from 488 participants were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS. Results indicate that both anxiety and self-esteem partially mediate the relationship between identity development and adaptation. Anxiety negatively associates with both identity development and adaptation, while self-esteem shows positive associations with both. Proficiency level and previous travel experience were identified as significant factors influencing students' adaptation. These findings offer valuable insights for universities, policymakers, and other stakeholders in creating a supportive environment that enhances the adaptation experience of international students.