Research Article
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Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 2 , 1023 - 1059 , 25.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1837012
https://izlik.org/JA84HL97YX

Abstract

References

  • Adler, M. (1997). Looking backwards to the future: Parental choice and education policy. British Educational Research Journal, 23(3), 297–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192970230302
  • Akunova, Z., & Karataş, S. (2025). Education problems faced by parents of international students in Turkey. Journal of Action Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research, 4(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15025301
  • Almukdad, M., & Karadag, E. (2024). Culture shock among international students in Turkey: An analysis of the effects of self-efficacy, life satisfaction and socio-cultural adaptation on culture shock. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 154. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01641-9
  • Appadurai, A. (1990). Disjuncture and difference in the global cultural economy. Theory, Culture and Society, 7(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.1177/026327690007002017
  • Arar, K., Örücü, D., & Gümüş, S. (2022). Educational leadership and policy studies in refugee education: A systematic review of existing research. Educational Review, 75(5), 1–21.
  • Bailey, S. (2015). The Essentials of Academic Writing for International Students (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315715346
  • Ball, S. J. (2012). The micro-politics of the school: Towards a theory of school organization (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  • Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2015). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. G. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood Press.

Elitizm ve Sığınma Arasında: Türkiye'de Milletlerarası Okulların Yapısal Dönüşümü

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 2 , 1023 - 1059 , 25.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1837012
https://izlik.org/JA84HL97YX

Abstract

Bu çalışma, eğitimde dönüşüm ve göç kaynaklı çeşitlenme bağlamında Türkiye’deki milletlerarası okulların mevcut durumunu ve karşı karşıya oldukları temel sorunları incelemektedir. Nitel bir durum çalışması deseni benimsenen araştırmada, farklı kademelerde ve çeşitli illerde faaliyet gösteren milletlerarası okulların 65 kurucusu ve kurucu temsilcisiyle yapılan yapılandırılmış görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler kullanılmıştır. Veriler, betimsel analiz yöntemiyle kodlanmış ve temalar altında sınıflandırılmıştır. Bulgular, milletlerarası okulların ulusal düzenlemeler ile küresel beklentiler arasında konumlanan hibrit kurumlar olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Yönetsel düzeyde, öğrenci kayıt, nakil, mezuniyet ve denklik işlemleri ile yabancı uyruklu öğretmenler için uygulanan karmaşık ve uzun çalışma izni süreçlerinin önemli güçlükler yarattığı görülmektedir. Pedagojik açıdan ise Türkçe dil öğrenimi ve sosyo-kültürel uyum, öğrencilerin akademik başarıları ve toplumsal bütünleşmeleri açısından kritik sorun alanları olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Veliler, bir yandan kültürel kimliğin korunmasını, diğer yandan milletlerarası düzeyde tanınan diplomalara erişimi eş zamanlı olarak beklemekte; bu durum okul–aile iletişimi ve okul yönetişimi süreçlerinde gerilimlere yol açmaktadır. Çalışma, Türkiye’deki milletlerarası okulların kurumsal meşruiyetini güçlendirmek ve eğitim kalitesini artırmak için daha açık yasal çerçevelere, sadeleştirilmiş bürokratik süreçlere, sürdürülebilir Türkçe dil desteğine ve milletlerarası okullar ile Türk okulları arasında daha güçlü iş birliği mekanizmalarına ihtiyaç duyulduğu sonucuna ulaşmaktadır.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma için etik onay, Ankara Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etik Kurulu’ndan alınmıştır (Karar Tarihi: 09.10.2025, Karar No: 223).

Supporting Institution

Ankara Üniversitesi

References

  • Adler, M. (1997). Looking backwards to the future: Parental choice and education policy. British Educational Research Journal, 23(3), 297–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192970230302
  • Akunova, Z., & Karataş, S. (2025). Education problems faced by parents of international students in Turkey. Journal of Action Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research, 4(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15025301
  • Almukdad, M., & Karadag, E. (2024). Culture shock among international students in Turkey: An analysis of the effects of self-efficacy, life satisfaction and socio-cultural adaptation on culture shock. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 154. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01641-9
  • Appadurai, A. (1990). Disjuncture and difference in the global cultural economy. Theory, Culture and Society, 7(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.1177/026327690007002017
  • Arar, K., Örücü, D., & Gümüş, S. (2022). Educational leadership and policy studies in refugee education: A systematic review of existing research. Educational Review, 75(5), 1–21.
  • Bailey, S. (2015). The Essentials of Academic Writing for International Students (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315715346
  • Ball, S. J. (2012). The micro-politics of the school: Towards a theory of school organization (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  • Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2015). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. G. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood Press.

BETWEEN ELITISM AND SANCTUARY: THE STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN TURKIYE

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 2 , 1023 - 1059 , 25.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1837012
https://izlik.org/JA84HL97YX

Abstract

This study examines the current situation and main challenges faced by international schools in Türkiye within a context of educational transformation and migration-driven diversification. Adopting a qualitative case study design, data were obtained from structured interviews with 65 founders and founder representatives of international schools operating at different levels and in various provinces. Descriptive analysis was used to code and categorise the data into themes. The findings show that international schools are hybrid institutions located between national regulations and global expectations. Administratively, schools struggle with student registration, transfer, graduation and equivalency procedures, as well as complex and lengthy work-permit processes for foreign teachers. Pedagogically, Turkish language learning and socio-cultural adaptation emerge as critical issues for students’ academic achievement and social integration. Parents expect schools simultaneously to preserve cultural identity and provide access to internationally recognised diplomas, which creates tensions in school–family communication and school governance. The study concludes that clearer legal frameworks, streamlined bureaucratic procedures, sustained Turkish language support and stronger collaboration between international and Turkish schools are needed to enhance institutional legitimacy and improve the quality of education in international schools in Türkiye.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ankara University Educational Sciences Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Decision Date: 09.10.2025, Decision No: 223).

Supporting Institution

Ankara University

References

  • Adler, M. (1997). Looking backwards to the future: Parental choice and education policy. British Educational Research Journal, 23(3), 297–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192970230302
  • Akunova, Z., & Karataş, S. (2025). Education problems faced by parents of international students in Turkey. Journal of Action Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research, 4(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15025301
  • Almukdad, M., & Karadag, E. (2024). Culture shock among international students in Turkey: An analysis of the effects of self-efficacy, life satisfaction and socio-cultural adaptation on culture shock. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 154. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01641-9
  • Appadurai, A. (1990). Disjuncture and difference in the global cultural economy. Theory, Culture and Society, 7(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.1177/026327690007002017
  • Arar, K., Örücü, D., & Gümüş, S. (2022). Educational leadership and policy studies in refugee education: A systematic review of existing research. Educational Review, 75(5), 1–21.
  • Bailey, S. (2015). The Essentials of Academic Writing for International Students (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315715346
  • Ball, S. J. (2012). The micro-politics of the school: Towards a theory of school organization (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  • Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2015). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
  • Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. G. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood Press.
There are 10 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Education Management
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Sevgi Ernas 0000-0003-1213-7285

Pelin Taşkın 0000-0001-8860-579X

Submission Date December 5, 2025
Acceptance Date January 11, 2026
Publication Date April 25, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1837012
IZ https://izlik.org/JA84HL97YX
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 16 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Ernas, S., & Taşkın, P. (2026). BETWEEN ELITISM AND SANCTUARY: THE STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN TURKIYE. Trakya Eğitim Dergisi, 16(2), 1023-1059. https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1837012