Determining the social exclusion levels of international students from different regions using the MAIRCA and TOPSIS method

Abstract

This study aims to determine the regions of Turkey in which visiting international students experience the highest levels of social exclusion. Based on non-numerical data and expert opinions, in order to help researchers and policymakers to understand this sector is considered the most significant contribution of this study to the field. According to the results obtained in the study, it was determined that the primary group of students coming from the Latin America region, with those from Asia coming in secondarily, experienced the highest levels of social exclusion. Therefore, universities and NGOs should consider forming groups to reduce the social exclusion of Latin America students. Programmes that help international students from Latin America, Asia, and Africa adjust to culture can also reduce social exclusion. In addition, non-governmental groups and formal institutions introducing geographical awareness into scholarship programme planning would reduce international students’ economic exclusion. Housing and transportation costs, in addition to tuition or programme fees, are expensive for students from this region and compound their economic exclusion. Institutional measures to reduce sociocultural exclusion are vital for Asia and Africa students because discrimination against international students from this region requires a culturallysensitive response that involves cooperation between the university and civic society