GLI EFFETTI DELLA MOTIVAZIONE ALLO STUDIO ALL'ESTERO SULL'ADATTAMENTO INTERCULTURALE: UN CASO STUDIO A METODO MISTO CON STUDENTI INTERNAZIONALI IN ITALIA

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between motivation to study abroad (MSA) and intercultural adaptation (IA) of international students (IS) in Italy. To address this purpose, a sequential exploratory mixed methods research, which involved longitudinal quantitative research design was employed. This study conducted interviews with twenty-three IS leading to the development of a survey, 604 IS participated in the first phase (fall semester 2022) while 237 IS participated in the second phase (summer semester 2023). Findings revealed six pivotal motivational factors influencing study abroad decisions:pull of the host country (Italy); push of home country; Italian higher education institution and educational system; the program and applications; personal goals, beliefs, and values; and social support. IS reported mixed feelings about their study and life experiences in Italy, with many facing challenges related to cultural barriers; social network; living difficulties; academic research; personal emotional; institutional attachment. Additionally, motivations for studying in Italy which effects IA of IS included world enlightenment, personal growth, career development, and entertainment. Notably, only world enlightenment demonstrated a significant positive correlation with overall IA. Notably, only world enlightenment demonstrated a significant positive correlation with overall IA. Finally, findings suggest that the interplay between MSA and IA significantly shapes overall IA, with mediating effects positively or negatively influencing this relationship. A dynamic integration model shedding light on this MSA-IA relationship could provide valuable insights. This study provides numerous implications for practice, theory, and research.