Social interaction and cultural exchange among educational tourist and local community: the case of Famagusta, North Cyprus
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
ISSN: 1755-4217
Article publication date: 27 February 2024
Issue publication date: 29 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the social interaction between international students and the local community in the small university town of Famagusta, North Cyprus. The objectives of the study are, firstly, to investigate the nature of interaction between two communities; secondly, to ascertain the main factors impacting social interaction and, finally, to identify the impact of this interaction on cultural exchange.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative approach, the researchers conducted 39 semi-structured interviews with international students and members of the local community to gain depth and detail.
Findings
The results showed that there was a lack of interaction between the international students and locals due mainly to language barriers.
Originality/value
This study addresses a gap in the literature on educational tourism by focusing on the social interaction between foreign students and the host community in a nontraditional destination. It also provides guidelines for universities, local and national governments on how to build a better quality of life for the community and for international students.
Keywords
Citation
Yorganci, I. and Ndukauba, P. (2024), "Social interaction and cultural exchange among educational tourist and local community: the case of Famagusta, North Cyprus", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 61-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-01-2024-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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