В работе рассматриваются вопросы адаптации и интеграции иностранных студентов в иноязычную образовательную среду
иностранные студенты, адаптация и интеграция иностранных студентов, культурная среда, языковая система, академические успехи иностранных студентов
According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the total number of international students studying in higher education programs in Russia exceeded 400,000 in 2025 [1]. According to a decree by Russian President – Vladimir Putin, the number of international students at Russian universities is expected to increase to 500,000 by 2030. Thus, international students currently account for 8.5% of the total number of students in Russia, and this number is expected to increase in the future. These figures demonstrate the demand for Russian education and the high level of training of specialists trusted not only by Russian but also by international organizations and companies.
The educational process involves more than just acquiring knowledge, it is also about developing and shaping students' skills and abilities in specific disciplines. It also involves a significant number of organizational aspects. Each of these aspects impacts the student’s physical and emotional well-being, which equally impacts on student’s academic success as well. For this reason, it is crucial to pay attention to the adaptation and integration of international students into a new cultural environment and language system.
Effective adaptation of international students involves overcoming language barriers, acclimating to a new culture, developing social connections, and meeting physiological needs. Of these aspects, no single one is more or less important; each factor is significant, and achieving success in adapting and integrating international students is only possible through a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges.
Based on an analysis of the adaptation and integration processes of international students into the educational environment, recommendations were formulated. Following these recommendations will significantly simplify the integration process for both the students themselves and the host educational universities. Some of these recommendations are presented below:
- before the start of the academic year, it is recommended to hold a block of organizational meetings for international students, consisting of five sessions, each devoted to a specific topic. Examples of topics include: «Organization of the Academic Process at the University», «Introduction to the University's Infrastructure and Internal Regulations» (including a tour of the university's departments), «Student Associations and Extracurricular Activities», «Social and Legal Aspects of International Students' Residence in the Host Country» and «Host Country Culture»;
- supervision and mentoring: depending on the characteristics and capabilities of the educational organization, each international student or group of students is assigned to have a personal mentor/curator, whom students can contact as needed and who can assist in resolving student issues;
- language support: organizing free courses in Russian (or the official language(s)) of the country where the educational institution is located. This will accelerate the integration of international students and significantly reduce their social isolation, which typically arises due to the language barrier.
It is important to note that the list of recommendations presented above is for informational purposes only and is not fully completed.
Based on a review of various sources, issues related to the integration and adaptation of international students into the educational environment of the host country were examined and analyzed. It was determined that the integration and adaptation of international students is a complex process consisting of several stages, encompassing psychological, social, economic, and cultural aspects. The academic success of students directly depends on the results of adaptation and integration. For this reason, it is crucial for host educational institutions to pay due attention to these processes and to provide assistance and support to international students as they integrate into a new cultural environment and language system.
1. Ячменникова, П. У России есть кому поучиться / П. Ячменникова. – Текст: электронный // Газета «Коммерсант». – 2026. – № 17. – С. 1. – URL: https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/8398867.
