Social, Cultural and Linguistic Issues in the Acculturation Processes of Syrian University Students in Turkey

This article investigates the acculturation experiences of Syrian university students in Izmir, Turkey, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with fifteen informants. The study employs qualitative research methods and inductive content analysis. The research is geared towards exploring the social, academic and linguistic issues emerging in the acculturation period; factors moderating the integration process as well as students’ coping strategies. The results are discussed within the framework of Berry’s acculturation model, theory on boundary formation and intergroup relations. On the basis of the informants’ self-reports, we found that intergroup relations with mainstream Turks, language and academic issues, lack of institutional support system in Turkey, emerge as major themes affecting acculturation. Ingroup solidarity, social support from natives and acquisition of the Turkish language are found to be the mediating factors. It is understood that eliminating barriers to education in Turkey and providing language support will facilitate the acculturation of Syrian refugees and deter unfavorable long-term outcomes. The implications of the study are beneficial to the policy makers in anticipating the acculturation-related concerns and improving access to higher education, creating preventative measures and implementing long-term solutions.