Аdaptation of foreign students in the framework of the implementation of the third mission of the university

Abstract

Introduction. The research topic is conditioned by the need to develop innovative adaptation measures for international university students, which are an important channel for transferring information about the country to the world community. Decoding the national values of the recipient country corresponds to the intention of the third mission of the university, understood as its contribution to the development of the regional, national and global community. The purpose of the study is to analyze the satisfaction of foreign students with the conditions of the new educational environment of the university and to develop a comprehensive program for their adaptation. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Novosibirsk State Technical University using the survey method by filling out a questionnaire by respondents and a formalized interview. Closed alternative questions were used in the questionnaire. International students from near and far abroad participated in the survey. The data was processed and visualized using the method of bar and pie charts. The results of the study. The data of the conducted survey of foreign students allow us to conclude about the generally successful adaptation environment of the university. However, some indicators have revealed the need to improve the adaptation process, mainly in its socio-cultural aspect. The answers to the question "How easily did you join the educational process of NSTU?" revealed the fact that about 52% of foreign students felt discomfort after arriving to study in Russia, especially this should be attributed to citizens of non-CIS countries. When answering the question "Have you encountered difficulties in establishing contacts with Russian students and the local population due to differences in values, traditions and customs?" 44% of respondents acknowledged the existence of problems. Thirty-nine percent of respondents considered the main barrier to effective communication to be a lack of understanding of the motives of Russians' actions. New formats of adaptation measures are required that decode the system of cultural values of the recipient country for foreign students and involve them in the scientific, cultural and economic life of the region. Thirty-two percent of respondents spoke about their lack. Conclusions. The factors of successful adaptation of students at the university are identified, new formats of socio-cultural activities are proposed that can demonstrate national norms and traditions, such as an adaptive VR course, virtual travel, sightseeing routes around the city and the university area, adaptation quests. Types of adaptation activities are included in a comprehensive program designed to convey both the values of the university, its location region, and the values of the recipient country.