Gul KURUM1, Ozge ERDEMLI2
1Trakya University, Faculty of Education, TURKEY
2Ankara University, Faculty of Educational Sciences, TURKEY
DOI: 10.14689/ejer.2021.91.8
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Turkey offers higher education opportunities to an increasing number of international students. However, academicians have encountered some problems while teaching international students. The aim of this study is to identify the problems encountered by academicians in the education of international students and to recommend solutions to the problems.
Method: This research was conducted with the qualitative research method. The study group consists of 16 academicians having international students in their classrooms. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview form. These data were analyzed with inductive content analysis.
Findings: According to the findings, academicians have experienced various problems such as language barrier, asking for favours/tolerance, not achieving the learning outcomes, not participating in classes, systemic challenges, and extra workload. However, the inclusion of international students in higher education has benefits like learning about different educational systems, familiarizing themselves with different cultures, internationalization of universities and transfer of educational knowledge and experience.
Implications for Research and Practice: This study was limited to views of academicians working at state universities. This study is believed to be helpful for practitioners as it offers concrete solution recommendations. It is suggested that a Turkish proficiency certificate should be asked for the enrollment of international students. Also, a support unit for the academicians should be established to consult whenever they have difficulty in the education process of international students.
Keywords: Higher education, internationalism, students’ mobility, multiculturalism, qualitative research.