THE ROLE OF CAMPUS RECREATION IN FACILITATING SOCIOCULTURAL ADAPTATION

Abstract

This study explores the impact of social integration on the sociocultural adaptation of university students, with a particular focus on the mediating role of campus recreation services. Recognizing the challenges faced by international students in adapting to new cultural environments, the research highlights the significance of recreation services as a supportive mechanism. Data were collected from international students at a large Turkish university, utilizing validated instruments to assess recreation service quality, social integration, and sociocultural adaptation. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data, revealing that recreation services exert both direct and indirect effects on sociocultural adaptation through social integration. The findings demonstrate that high-quality recreation services not only facilitate social bonding among students but also contribute to their cultural adjustment by creating inclusive and engaging environments. These results emphasize the importance of campus recreation as a strategic tool in higher education, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cross-cultural experiences. This study offers valuable insights for university administrators, recreation program developers, and policymakers seeking to improve the campus experience for diverse student populations. By prioritizing the role of recreation in promoting social integration and cultural adaptation, institutions can better support the well-being and success of their international students.

Keywords

• Campus Recreation
• Sociocultural Adaptation
• Social Integration
• International Students

KAMPÜS REKREASYONUNUN SOSYOKÜLTÜREL UYUM SÜRECİNDEKİ ROLÜ

Abstract

Bu çalışma, kampüs rekreasyon hizmetlerinin aracılık rolüne odaklanarak sosyal bütünleşmenin üniversite öğrencilerinin sosyokültürel uyumuna etkisini incelemektedir. Uluslararası öğrencilerin yeni kültürel ortamlara uyum sağlama sürecinde karşılaştıkları zorluklar göz önünde bulundurularak, araştırma rekreasyon hizmetlerinin destekleyici bir mekanizma olarak önemini vurgulamaktadır. Veriler, Türkiye'deki büyük bir üniversitede öğrenim gören uluslararası öğrencilerden toplanmış ve rekreasyon hizmet kalitesi, sosyal bütünleşme ve sosyokültürel uyumu değerlendiren geçerli ölçekler kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi (SEM) yöntemi kullanılmış ve rekreasyon hizmetlerinin sosyokültürel uyuma hem doğrudan hem de sosyal bütünleşme aracılığıyla dolaylı etkilerinin olduğu ortaya konmuştur. Bulgular, yüksek kaliteli rekreasyon hizmetlerinin yalnızca öğrenciler arasındaki sosyal bağları güçlendirmekle kalmayıp, aynı zamanda kapsayıcı ve etkileşimli ortamlar yaratarak kültürel uyumu da desteklediğini göstermektedir. Bu sonuçlar, kampüs rekreasyonunun yükseköğretimde stratejik bir araç olarak önemini vurgulamakta; aidiyet duygusunun gelişimine katkı sağlayarak kültürlerarası deneyimlerin zenginleşmesine olanak tanıdığını ortaya koymaktadır. Çalışma, üniversite yöneticileri, rekreasyon programı geliştiricileri ve politika yapıcılar için farklı öğrenci gruplarının kampüs deneyimlerini iyileştirmeye yönelik değerli çıkarımlar sunmaktadır. Rekreasyon hizmetlerinin sosyal bütünleşme ve kültürel uyumu teşvik etmedeki rolüne öncelik veren kurumlar, uluslararası öğrencilerinin iyi oluşunu ve akademik başarısını daha etkili bir şekilde destekleyebilir.

Keywords

• Kampüs Rekreasyonu
• Sosyokültürel Uyum
• Sosyal Entegrasyon
• Uluslararası Öğrenciler

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