Procesos de integración sociocultural a través de mediación turística para estudiantes foráneas participantes del proyecto Warmi VivaMente de la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

This study analyzes the sociocultural integration processes linked to tourism mediation among foreign students participating in the Warmi VivaMente project at the University of Cuenca, a multidisciplinary project aimed at supporting them. The study was conducted in three stages: understanding the conceptual approaches that underpin the relationship between social tourism, tourism mediation, and sociocultural integration in university contexts of social participation; describing the experiential characteristics of the tourist routes developed during the project, along with the relevant sociocultural elements of the participants; and analyzing the role of tourism mediation in their sociocultural integration process. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with participating foreign university students, outreach staff, and the project's leadership team. The analysis was performed using thematic analysis assisted by Atlas.ti software. The study concludes that the tourism component becomes a functional tool for alleviating loneliness and fostering urban autonomy. Its essence does not lie in heritage or cultural education, but it is considered complementary. Sociocultural integration is processed experientially; the members benefit from the connection with others who share their situation, not necessarily from the place itself. Therefore, it becomes a space where socialization and mutual support are the priority. Finally, it is reflected that the liaison members should not be exempt from providing active and empathetic listening.