RUSSIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION FROM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ VIEW POINT: CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES

Purpose. The manuscript is devoted to the burning issue of education internationalization in modern society. Having come to study in Russia, many international students face a number of difficulties concerning various aspects of their life activity. The authors aim to study international students’ opinion regarding their residence in the European North and their study at the Russian medical university. Methodology. Survey findings of 149 Indian students studying at the International Faculty of General Practitioners of the Northern State Medical University (NSMU), Arkhangelsk compose the research basis. Results. Main challenges encountered by international students in the conditions of the European North, their attitude to the organization and quality of the educational process in the university were revealed. Cold climate, language barrier, the lack of traditional foods and separation from family are believed to be the main factors that make it difficult for junior students to learn. Senior students express their disappointment at the lack of clinical practice due to the distance learning during the pandemic and different level of students and teachers’ language proficiency. In general, students speak positively about university educational process and are satisfied with Russian education quality. Practical implications. Research findings can be used to develop recommendations for improving the socio-pedagogical adaptation of international students in Russian universities.