Challenges Faced by International Students in Cyprus Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Social Identity Loss and Reverse Culture Shock

Introduction The global COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for international students, particularly those studying in Cyprus. This study explores the impact on international students, focusing on Social Identity Loss (SIL) and Reverse Culture Shock (RCS) as critical themes. The objective is to illuminate the experiences of students navigating life transitions during the pandemic. Methods The qualitative methodology employed in-depth semi-structured interviews, both in person and online, with thematic analysis revealing key study themes. The findings highlight the significant correlation between isolation, detachment, and a sense of belonging with SIL and RCS (H1), with a correlation value of 1.0 and significance at 0.01 level, emphasizing the negative impact. Conversely, active participation in virtual communities and online cultural integration programs (H3) has positive effects in reducing SIL and RCS as correlation values were 0.72. Pearson correlation coefficients provide insights into relationships between variables and SIL/RCS, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging. Regression analysis identifies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an unexpected factor exacerbating challenges as it demonstrates a positive coefficient of 0.3690, and H1 emerges as a critical predictor. Results These findings underscore the need for tailored support mechanisms and interventions to address the unique needs of international students in Cyprus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by international students and provides a foundation for developing effective strategies to support their well-being and academic success in an evolving global landscape.