New article by Elisa Gamba, PhD student: From Arrival to Belonging: A Case Study on Comprehensive Support for International Students in Turin

Elisa Gamba, PhD student of the Programme “Human Rights, Society and Multi-level Governance” at the Human Rights Centre of the University of Padova, published the article “From Arrival to Belonging: A Case Study on Comprehensive Support for International Students in Turin” in the Internationalisation of Higher Education Journal - Policy and Practice, available vol. 12, issue 2 of the journal.

Through the case study, Gamba investigates the full trajectory of international students: the initial arrival, transition phase, academic and social integration, and eventual sense of belonging within their host institution and city. The research focuses on the city of Turin and examines how universities and local services collaboratively provide comprehensive support services—from orientation and language assistance to mentoring, social activities, and housing adaptation.

Her findings reveal not only the key practices that aid successful integration but also highlight critical gaps where students feel less supported, especially in the non-academic dimensions (social networks, local community integration, mental health). The paper offers both practical recommendations for higher education institutions and policy implications for local governments aiming to promote inclusive internationalization.

This article contributes to the growing body of literature on the internationalization of higher education and supports efforts within European universities to enhance the quality of student mobility programs.