The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students

In the context of increasing international academic mobility, the sociocultural integration of foreign students is a key challenge for higher education institutions. This study examines the role of university championships in the integration process, using both qualitative and quantitative metho...

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Main Authors: Victoria LEȘCO, Ecaterina LUNGU
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Galati University Press 2025-05-01
Series:ACROSS
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.gup.ugal.ro/ugaljournals/index.php/across/article/view/8595
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author Victoria LEȘCO
Ecaterina LUNGU
author_facet Victoria LEȘCO
Ecaterina LUNGU
author_sort Victoria LEȘCO
collection DOAJ
description In the context of increasing international academic mobility, the sociocultural integration of foreign students is a key challenge for higher education institutions. This study examines the role of university championships in the integration process, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys conducted with foreign students, interviews with coaches, and direct observations. The results indicate that 75.9% of students perceived sports competitions as an important tool for social integration, while 65.5% emphasized the development of intercultural skills through collaboration in mixed teams. Additionally, 69% of participants reported increased selfconfidence, and 55.2% considered sports activities a conducive environment for improving language skills. However, 20.7% of students faced adaptation difficulties due to cultural and linguistic differences. Interviews with coaches highlighted their essential role in promoting inclusion, reducing language and cultural barriers, and facilitating collaboration through extracurricular activities and intercultural workshops. Direct observations revealed positive interaction patterns, such as informal leaders and mutual support among participants, contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment. Thus, university championships serve as a valuable platform for the sociocultural integration of foreign students, yet optimizing organizational strategies remains necessary to overcome the identified challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-83bc0b7cf89043f598097a409e92b1f82025-08-20T02:29:13ZengGalati University PressACROSS2602-14632025-05-019210.35219/across.2025.2.04The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign StudentsVictoria LEȘCO0Ecaterina LUNGU1Institute of Physical Education and Sport of Moldova State University (Republic of Moldova)”Ion Creanga” State Pedagogical University of Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) / ”Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati (Romania) In the context of increasing international academic mobility, the sociocultural integration of foreign students is a key challenge for higher education institutions. This study examines the role of university championships in the integration process, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys conducted with foreign students, interviews with coaches, and direct observations. The results indicate that 75.9% of students perceived sports competitions as an important tool for social integration, while 65.5% emphasized the development of intercultural skills through collaboration in mixed teams. Additionally, 69% of participants reported increased selfconfidence, and 55.2% considered sports activities a conducive environment for improving language skills. However, 20.7% of students faced adaptation difficulties due to cultural and linguistic differences. Interviews with coaches highlighted their essential role in promoting inclusion, reducing language and cultural barriers, and facilitating collaboration through extracurricular activities and intercultural workshops. Direct observations revealed positive interaction patterns, such as informal leaders and mutual support among participants, contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment. Thus, university championships serve as a valuable platform for the sociocultural integration of foreign students, yet optimizing organizational strategies remains necessary to overcome the identified challenges. https://www.gup.ugal.ro/ugaljournals/index.php/across/article/view/8595university championshipssociocultural integrationforeign students
spellingShingle Victoria LEȘCO
Ecaterina LUNGU
The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
ACROSS
university championships
sociocultural integration
foreign students
title The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
title_full The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
title_fullStr The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
title_full_unstemmed The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
title_short The Role of University Championships in the Socio-Cultural Integration of Foreign Students
title_sort role of university championships in the socio cultural integration of foreign students
topic university championships
sociocultural integration
foreign students
url https://www.gup.ugal.ro/ugaljournals/index.php/across/article/view/8595
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