From experience to connection: international students shaping dialogue across cultures in Türkiye

For many international students, studying abroad extends well beyond academic life. It involves learning new languages, building relationships, and gradually developing a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. In Türkiye, a large, diverse and growing student population contributes to the wider social fabric, offering insight into everyday dynamics of connection and adaptation.

The Bridging Cultures initiative, led by Tevfik Karpuzcu, explores through digital storytelling how international students navigate daily life, learning and intercultural interaction in Türkiye. The initiative is supported by the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme, implemented by UNESCO’s Sciences sector, which provides training, mentoring and project funding for young leaders promoting intercultural understanding and social cohesion.

A series of in-depth interviews brought together students from diverse backgrounds across gender, nationality and socio-economic contexts. In their reflections, participants spoke not only about their academic journeys, but also about how they build connections, navigate differences, and develop a sense of belonging. Participants were encouraged to share their perspectives in their own words, creating a space for thoughtful exchange and attentive listening.

Several patterns emerged. Language proficiency was identified as a key factor shaping both academic experience and social integration, often facilitating friendship-building and confidence in daily interactions. Peer relationships, particularly within university settings, were also important, providing entry points into local culture and helping students understand social norms and develop familiarity over time. Belonging was therefore gradual rather than immediate, shaped through repeated shared experiences.

Spending time with my friends is very meaningful…it helped me balance my education and my social life - Yoshi Toyoda

Furthermore, intercultural exchange was described as unfolding informally in everyday contexts, from social gatherings to moments of hospitality such as drinking tea, where food, language and conversation supported familiarity and mutual understanding.

Participants also reflected on the role of difference in shaping their experiences. Some students, particularly from regions such as the Balkans, Central Asia, or parts of the Middle East, described a sense of familiarity shaped by history or cultural proximity. Others arriving from more distant contexts highlighted the need to adjust to new social norms, such as communication styles.

Participants further reflected on how their experiences are understood beyond their immediate environments. While many described positive day-to-day interactions, some felt that these are not always reflected in broader discussions about international students, where individual stories are often overshadowed by generalisations. In this context, sharing personal stories matters not to promote a single narrative, but to reflect the diversity of experiences behind the label “international student”.

Learning the language changed everything. It opened doors, friendships and a sense of belonging, especially within the university - Yacine Lahlah

As the project continues, these stories are being shared through a digital exhibition and an accompanying report, broadening engagement with the realities faced by international students. The initiative highlights the importance of environments where dialogue, trust and mutual understanding can develop over time within universities and wider communities. By bringing these voices forward, it offers a more nuanced view of international student mobility.

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The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is supported by the generous contribution of the Kingold Group.