Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3rd Internation Symposium of Scientific Research and Innovative Studies, Balıkesir, Türkiye, 15 - 18 Mart 2023, ss.110, (Özet Bildiri)
The social penetration theory posits that as a relationship develops, communication moves from superficial to deeper and more meaningful levels. This theory was conceptualized by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor in 1973 (Communication Theory, 2022). Social penetration is primarily achieved through self-disclosure, which is defined as the process of intentionally revealing personal information to others. Self-disclosure is considered a key factor in deepening intimacy within relationships. Social penetration can be observed in various contexts, including romantic relationships, friendships, social groups (such as religious communities or football clubs), and professional interactions. The theory has also been applied to contexts of computer-mediated communication, such as online dating and virtual teams (Carpenter & Greene, 2015, p.1). Like other foreign nationals, international students seek to integrate into a different social environment. However, unlike others, they are in a position to benefit from the institutional resources offered by higher education systems. From this perspective, the aim of this research is to explore international students' practices of group participation, friendship development, engagement with current affairs and educational opportunities, and career planning through the lens of the social penetration model. The core research question is whether the obstacles faced by international students throughout their academic journey, and their capacity to overcome these obstacles and achieve integration, can be analyzed and interpreted through the social penetration theory. Findings from the study indicate that international students pursuing higher education in Türkiye experience similar challenges in their individual integration processes, patterns of social media use, and access to integration pathways. The main difficulties encountered during integration include language acquisition, establishing interpersonal communication with peers, and planning post-graduation career paths. On the other hand, institutional support provided by universities, integration programs offered by public institutions, and a culture of solidarity developed in real-life social settings serve as significant advantages in their integration process.