RT Journal Article
T1 Socio-cultural integration of international students in Europe: A systematic review
A1 AA. VV., 
A1 Rodríguez-Izquierdo, Rosa M.
K1 Europe
K1 Incoming students;
K1 International student mobility
K1 Socio-cultural integration
K1 Systematic review
AB International student mobility (ISM) has gained increasing importance in the last decades, while the integration of international students remains a key area of research in the literature. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the socio-cultural integration of international students in Europe by examining how transnational mobility influences the socialization among students, what factors influence and hinder social and cultural integration during ISM. Following the application of exclusion criteria, a total of 103 articles retrieved from six databases were analysed. Findings reveal that while ISM fosters cross-cultural interactions, various factors, such as institutional support, language proficiency, and social networks, play a crucial role in shaping integration experiences. Challenges such as discrimination, cultural distance, and limited engagement with host communities can hinder effective integration. By synthesizing existing research, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of international student integration, offering insights for future studies and institutional policies. Additionally, the review provides recommendations for higher education institutions to enhance their support systems, promote inclusive campus environments, and develop strategies to facilitate the successful integration of international students.
PB The Forum on Education Abroad
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26530
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26530
LA en
NO Kéri, A., Bulut Şahin, B.., Iolanda Voda, A.., Chelishvili, A., Becker, A., Eriçok, B., Coşkun, B., Dangeni, Apsite Berina, E.., Gajek, E., Şenel Bingül, E., Chrančoková, M., Karadağ, N., Çulhaoğlu, Özer, G. Valls-Figuera, R.., Rodriguez-Izquierdo, R. M.., Okur, S., Erdoğan, Z., & Köylü, Z.Z. (2026). Socio-cultural integration of international students in Europe: A systematic review. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 38(1), 138–166. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v38i1.1128
NO Proyectos de investigaciónThis work was supported by ENIS cost action [grant number CA20115].
NO Departamento de Educación y Psicología Social
DS RIO
RD May 23, 2026