Towards Inclusive Medical Education in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study of Socio-Cultural Adaptation Among International Students

Background International medical students face unique challenges in adjusting to new sociocultural environments, particularly in resource-limited settings. In Egypt, despite calls for increasing cultural diversity in medical education, limited research has explored how international students adapt and what factors influence their experience. This study aimed to assess the sociocultural adaptation of international medical students at Mansoura University to inform targeted strategies enhancing their inclusion and wellbeing. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2024 among international medical students at Mansoura University. Utilizing a combination of convenience and snowball sampling, along with a non-probability proportionate quota technique based on academic year, data were collected using an online survey that included sociodemographic questions and the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale–Revised (SCAS-R). Results A total of 395 international students participated, with a mean SCAS-R adaptation score of 3.37 (SD = 0.69). Adaptation peaked in 1st-year students (3.52), dropped in 2nd year (3.21), and gradually increased in later years (3rd: 3.39; 4th: 3.31; 5th: 3.48). Males reported higher scores in personal interest/community involvement (3.09 vs. 2.86, p = 0.011) and language proficiency (4.25 vs. 4.00, p = 0.036). Arab students had significantly higher overall adaptation than non-Arabs (3.40 vs. 3.21, p = 0.046), primarily due to stronger language proficiency (4.42 vs. 2.76, p < 0.001). Students with sufficient income showed better adaptation in communication (3.41 vs. 3.15, p = 0.021), ecological adjustment (3.32 vs. 2.99, p = 0.008), and language (4.18 vs. 3.83, p = 0.039). Conclusion The findings of this study emphasize the need for medical institutions to implement inclusive support strategies, including bilingual language training, targeted financial assistance, and sustained integration efforts beyond the first academic year. Trial Registration Not applicable