"I bought it, but I still don't know what it is": international students dealing with a new food culture in Norway - A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over six million students study abroad each year, and many experience culture shock. Engaging with a new food culture often changes eating habits, and dietary acculturation can be challenging for young people. However, little is known about this process among international students in the Nordic context and how it affects their health and well-being. This study aimed to explore the main challenges international students face concerning food choices and eating habits after encountering Norwegian food culture.

Methods

Ten international students at a university in Southern Norway were interviewed using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using inductive codebook thematic analysis within an applied orientation.

Results

Five main themes w

SUBMITTER: Medin AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683748 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature