Acculturation strategies of international higher education students in Türkiye: the role of social support, cultural capital, self-esteem, general trust, and general self-efficacy

Abstract Understanding the factors influencing acculturation strategies among international students cannot be overstated, as successful adaptation is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. Although extensive research has explored these dynamics in various contexts, a notable gap remains in the literature on international students in Türkiye. This study aimed to investigate the effects of social support, cultural and economic capital, self-esteem, general trust, and general self-efficacy on the acculturation strategies of international higher-education students in Türkiye. Utilizing data from 3,554 international students, various scales and questionnaires were employed, including the Acculturation Strategies Scale, Cultural Capital Questionnaire, Economic Capital Questionnaire, Self-Esteem Scale, General Confidence Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Social Support Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results revealed significant relationships between the examined factors and acculturation strategies adopted by international students. These findings highlight the crucial roles of social support, cultural capital, and psychological attributes in shaping how international students adapt to new cultural environments. The implications of these results underscore the importance of targeted support programs to enhance international students’ acculturation experiences and overall well-being in Türkiye’s higher education context.