EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN STUDENTS IN TURKEY

The experiences of african students in turkey may be different from other international students due to their distinct identities. this qualitative study explores the challenges faced by international students from sub saharan africa in turkey and their coping strategies. data were drawn from 17 postgraduate students from africa studying in istanbul through semi-structured in-depth interviews. findings show that students faced a range of sociocultural, personal, psychological and academic challenges. experiences of students were shaped by assumptions and stereotypes about their race/ethnicity, nationality, gender and background. while the findings show that students experience challenges, they also demonstrate how they have developed agency and become resilient through resisting marginalization experiences. findings from this study have policy implications considering the current internationalization efforts of higher education in turkey.