Background: Adaptation to university life is a challenging process especially when studying
medicine. To facilitate and improve the process of adaptation of undergraduate medical students
during their university life, different barriers and challenges should be addressed to create an
effective academic and social support system.
Objective(s): This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adaptation of international medical
school students to university life in Egypt.
Methods: All first-year undergraduate international students studying at medical school Ain Shams
University were invited to join the focus group sessions. Five focus group discussions were
conducted till data saturation was reached.
Results: Our study included 34 international students (Arabs and Non-Arabs). Three main themes,
nine subthemes, and thirty-four codes were generated. The motivation theme included: studying
medicine and studying in Egypt. The acculturative stress theme included: subthemes of cultural
differences, accommodation conditions, longing for family, and language differences. The students'
adaptation to school themes included: the subthemes of successful integration, as well as personal/
emotional and academic adaptation.
Conclusion: Our study findings highlighted significant issues regarding adapting international
students to university life in Egypt. Academic, cultural, language and accommodation support are
essential for successful adaptation and integration into both academic and social life.