INTEGRATION PROCESS OF SYRIAN MIGRANTS FOLLOWING THE EU-TURKEY READMISSION AGREEMENT: CASE OF SYRIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN İZMİR

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the current challenges and integration prospects of Syrian university students in İzmir. Methodologically it is based on a case study through the questionnaire results of 22 Syrian students of 2017-2018 academic year in İzmir and 3 interviews conducted in 2018 and 2019 with experts from public institutions. The article evaluates how the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement has influenced Turkey’s integration policy over the Syrian migrants. It is argued that Syrian university students in İzmir are directly influenced from the comprehensive policies of public institutions and universities. However they still face with educational, sociocultural and economic challenges. Generating certain solutions to those challenges can be possible through solid coordination of the institutions.