Sports, Tourism and Leisure Activities – Factor for Integrating Foreign Students in the University Environment

The integration of foreign students into the university environment is a crucial aspect for their academic and personal development. The aim of the research is to highlight the importance of sport, tourism and leisure activities in facilitating the integration process of foreign students in the university environment. From a theoretical perspective, our study highlights how sport, tourism and leisure activities interact to influence the various social identities of foreign students. On a practical level, the research proposes solutions for universities to capitalize on sport activities in facilitating social interactions between students from different cultures and to support international students to perceive themselves as important members of the university community. By engaging in a variety of physical, tourism and leisure activities, foreign students will maintain their health, will improve their mental stress and will cope better with the specific pressures of a socio-cultural and economic crisis, being able to increase their confidence and self-esteem, developing physical and social skills in an environment that supports and motivates them. Also, participating in the proposed activities will help reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness, giving them an environment where they will form social bonds and friendships.