Policies and Practices for Supporting Foreign Students in Greece: a Case Study of the University of Ioannina
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines how foreign students experience studying at Greek universities and how institutional policies support—or fail to support—their integration. Based on semi-structured interviews, the research explores students’ perceptions of language, cultural adaptation, and institutional practices. The findings reveal that although Greece has introduced policies promoting internationalization, their implementation remains weak. Support for foreign students is fragmented and mostly informal, depending on personal relationships rather than organized structures. Language barriers, bureaucracy, and financial difficulties are major obstacles to academic success and inclusion. The study concludes that Greek universities still operate within a monocultural framework that places the burden of adaptation on students themselves. To achieve genuine inclusion, institutions must provide systematic language support, mentoring, intercultural training, and accessible information services. Article visualizations:
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7128384233