FACTORS AFFECTING SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the factors affecting the academic achievement and school adjustment of international students studying at the secondary level in Turkey from the perspective of teachers. The methodological approach of the research is qualitative. In order to implement the purpose of the research, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 counselors, who have international students in their school, in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, using semi-structured interview forms. The data obtained from the results of the research were analyzed descriptively. The results of the research show that international students, especially in the 9th and 10th grades, which are the first years of the school, have adjustment problems and this affects their school success, that the lack of studies on the Foreign Student Exam (YÖS) in schools negatively affects the school motivation of international students, and that a school climate that accepts international students increases students' school adjustment and school success. In order to increase the adaptation and school success of international students, there is a need for teacher training as well as parent training for the needs of students. It would be appropriate to carry out studies aimed at the needs of international students with the employment of social workers in Guidance Research Centers in addition to schools