Longing for Independence, Yet Depending on Family Support: A Qualitative Analysis of Psychosocial Adaptation of Iranian International Students in Hungary

Abstract

International students experience psychosocial changes in response to their new environment, and their psychosocial adaptation is facilitated or hindered by various factors. This study aimed to examine the intercultural experiences of Iranian international students in Hungary. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Iranian students in Budapest, Hungary, and a thematic analysis employed to discern and interpret themes within the data. The thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) Sojourn’s Experience as Self-Growth, (2) Uncertainty in Intercultural Interactions, and (3) Striving for Autonomous-Related Self. The data reported that Iranian students experienced more happiness in Hungary than sadness, and their motivation to live independently in Hungary while depending on family support acted as buffers against any negative psychological feelings. The findings of this study underline the significance of independence and family support as the influencing factors for psychosocial adaptation of Iranian students.