International students’ adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university: medical and psychological aspect of socio-cultural integration

Abstract

Introduction. The increase in the number of academic exchange programmes for students contributes to a significant growth in the number of international students in Russian universities who often experience a sense of dislocation and have to adjust to new academic and cultural environments. The key problem of integrating international students into the Russian educational environment is their psychological adjustment, which determines not only their academic attainment, but also indicators of their health and social well-being. The purpose of this article is to identify psychological and medical factors and manifestations of adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university for international students, as well as to assess their satisfaction with medical and psychological support during their studies at university. Materials and Methods. The study has been conducted on the basis of an anthropo-systemic methodological approach, which implies a focus on improving constructive strategies and resources for students that allow them to overcome various difficulties more effectively, as well as on developing intercultural communication skills, creating internal and external conditions for self-fulfillment. Questionnaires designed to study medical and psychological aspects of the international students’ adjustment to the educational environment of the Russian university were used as research methods. Results. The study has revealed that 33 per cent of participating international students demonstrated ‘low’ and ‘below average’ levels of adjustment. ‘Above average’ and ‘high’ levels of adjustment were revealed in 56 per cent of participants. Only 11 per cent of the sample demonstrated the ‘average’ level of adjustment. At the same time, international students showed a low degree of self-determination in relation to the future career and prospects for personal development and a high demand for assistance in understanding the importance of professionalization and revealing students’ abilities for self-development and self-determination. The analysis of the demand and experience of receiving medical services by international students revealed that about 80% of the participants sought medical help. About 73% of them were fully or partially satisfied with the quality of medical services provided, 10% were dissatisfied with the quality, and 17% found it difficult to assess the quality of medical care. The study reveals the following drawbacks in the complex work implemented by university departments responsible for optimizing psychological and medical indicators of international students’ adaptation: time-limits for the examination of patients by a medical worker, difficulties in communication between a specialist and an international student determined by language and cultural barriers, as well as the fact that ‘supporting’ university staff insufficiently take into account the above-mentioned low degree of international students’ self-determination. Conclusions. The conducted research has identified a range of degrees in international students’ adjustment to the Russian educational environment with a small number of individuals with an average degree of adjustment. The main unfavorable psychological factor in the international students’ adjustment is low level of their professional self-determination and insufficient formation of personal development prospects. The level and availability of medical care provided to international students in Russia satisfy most of them. The key problem that reduces international students’ satisfaction with the quality of medical services is difficulties in social communication with employees of medical institutions.