본 연구는 외국인 유학생들의 대학생활 적응 경험을 심층적으로 이해하기 위해 내러티브 탐구 방법을 활용하여 중국, 몽골, 베트남 출신 유학생 6명을 대상으로 학업적 적응, 사회적 적응, 대학환경 적응이라는 세 가지 측면에서 조사하였다. 학업적 적응 측면에서 유학생들은 언어 장벽, 수업 방식의 차이, 학업 지원 체계 부족으로 인해 어려움을 겪었다. 특히 전문 용어의 이해 부족과 강의 속도는 주요 도전 요인으로 작용하였으며, 토론 중심 수업과 조별 과제는 초기에는 낯설고 부담스러웠다. 이를 극복하기 위해 유학생들은 스터디 그룹을 구성하고 교수와의 상호작용을 통해 지원을 받았으며, 온라인 학습 자료를 활용하여 학업 적응을 도모하였다. 사회적 적응 측면에서는 문화적 차이와 언어적 장벽으로 초기에는 어려움을 겪었으나, 축제와 동아리 활동, 스터디 그룹 참여를 통해 점진적으로 적응해 나갔다. 특히 한국 문화에 대한 이해와 한국 학생들과의 교류는 사회적 네트워크 형성과 정서적 안정감에 긍정적 영향을 미쳤다. 대학환경 적응 측면에서는 기숙사 생활, 학교 시스템 이용, 행정적 지원의 중요성이 확인되었다. 기숙사는 유학생들에게 교류와 학습의 공간으로 긍정적 영향을 주었지만, 소음 및 청결 문제는 개선이 필요하였다. LMS와 수강신청 절차에 대한 초기 어려움은 선배와 동료의 도움을 통해 극복되었으며, 행정적 지원에서는 교수진의 개별적 지원이 중요한 역할을 하였다. 연구 결과를 바탕으로 언어 지원 강화, 문화 적응 지원 확대, 행정적 지원 시스템 개선, 기숙사 환경 개선, 학문적 및 정서적 지원 강화 등의 방안을 제시하였다. 이는 유학생들의 성공적인 대학생활 적응을 돕고 정책적 개선에 실질적인 시사점을 제공한다.
This study employed a narrative inquiry approach to gain a deeper understanding of the university adaptation experiences of international students. The research focused on three key dimensions of adaptation: academic, social, and campus environment. By conducting in-depth investigations with six international students from China, Mongolia, and Vietnam, the study explored the specific challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to adapt to university life in South Korea. International students encountered various challenges in academic adaptation, primarily due to language barriers, differences in teaching methodologies, and insufficient academic support systems. A major difficulty was the lack of understanding of technical terms in their respective fields, coupled with the fast-paced nature of lectures. Additionally, discussion-based classes and group projects, which were not common in their home countries, initially felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. To overcome these obstacles, students developed strategies such as forming study groups, actively engaging with professors, and utilizing online learning materials to enhance their academic comprehension and performance. In the early stages of university life, international students faced difficulties related to cultural differences and communication barriers. However, over time, they gradually adapted by participating in festivals, club activities, and study groups. These experiences allowed them to interact with Korean peers and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture, which played a crucial role in building social networks and fostering emotional stability. Meaningful interactions with local students significantly contributed to their sense of belonging and overall well-being. The study also highlighted the role of dormitory life, university systems, and administrative support in shaping students’ adaptation experiences. Dormitories served as important spaces for social interaction and peer learning, yet issues such as noise disturbances and cleanliness required attention and improvement. Additionally, many international students initially struggled with navigating learning management systems (LMS), course registration processes, and other administrative systems. However, with the guidance of senior students, peers, and faculty members, they were able to gradually overcome these challenges. Personalized support from professors and administrative staff was found to be particularly beneficial in addressing procedural and bureaucratic difficulties. Based on these findings, the study suggests several practical measures to enhance the university adaptation process for international students. These include expanding language support services, strengthening cultural adaptation programs, improving administrative support systems, upgrading dormitory facilities, and providing increased academic and emotional support. By implementing these measures, universities can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately promoting the successful integration and overall well-being of international students. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators seeking to develop effective strategies to enhance the international student experience.