Understanding international students' experiences at university belonging in the Turkish higher education System

International students constitute a significant portion of the higher education population in Turkey. This study explores the sense of belonging of 20 international students selected through maximum diversity sampling from Gaziantep University. Using a qualitative content analysis, the study identifies three key factors that shape students' sense of belonging: peer relationships, lecturers' attitudes, and the overall educational environment. The findings highlight the value of fostering collabor