Abstract:
During the past decades, Kazakhstani universities have implemented internationalization
efforts to boost academic appeal and student enrollment from abroad. The successful
integration process requires systems to overcome communication barriers that international
students encounter. Universities have to offer high-quality, adaptive support services to
remain competitive and attractive for foreign applicants. This study employed a qualitative
case study design to explore international students’ experiences at a private university in
Kazakhstan. The study focused on international students’ experiences at a private
Kazakhstani university. The research aims to identify the primary language, cultural,
psychological, and environmental obstacles that prevent effective communication and
adaptation. The study analyses current university support systems from the intercultural
adaptation conceptual framework to determine their practices. The research data obtained
through semi-structured interviews with international students and university leadership
demonstrated that students encounter limited availability of academic resources in their
native language and insufficient emotional support and cultural understanding from faculty
and administrators. The provided support programs remain formal in nature, failing to meet
the genuine requirements of students. The university’s support initiatives for foreign students
have been implemented, yet the research outcomes demonstrated the need for institutional
changes in international student support approaches. The findings provide practical
recommendations to universities seeking to enhance Kazakhstan’s educational position in the
region while improving international student adaptation environments.
