CITISE
ISSN 2409-7616
CITISE № 4(30) 2021
Pedagogical sciences
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Sokolova E.V.

ACADEMIC STRESSORS OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN RUSSIA

DOI: http://doi.org/10.15350/2409-7616.2021.4.36

UDC 378+37.01

Sokolova E.V.1 (Moscow, Russian Federation) – E-mail: Zheniott.spb@yandex.ru

1Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University)

Abstract. The article presents a theoretical overview on foreign students’ academic adaptation and the results of the survey conducted among foreign students who have an experience of living and studying in Russia. The aim of the research is to identify culture-based academic differences between Russian and foreign cultures that may become academic stressors for foreign students in Russia. A specially designed questionnaire covered the issues of motivation, basic knowledge of native and Russian academic cultures differences, assessment and assignment distinctions, particularities of local teacher – student – University employees – foreign student communication and involvement of foreign students into University life and local community. The results demonstrated the fact of existence of academic cultures differences between Russia and foreign countries. It also revealed some specific of them that may become potential academic stressors and, therefore, may perplex foreign students’ adaptation. “Discussion” section represents the survey results and “Conclusion” section provides possible ways of their use in practice. Research has both scientific and practical value. The data obtained can be used to inform and improve the intercultural competence of university staff, including not only the teaching staff, but also administrative workers, dormitory staff and the service sector provided at the university (libraries, cafes, wardrobe, etc.) in order to simplify communication with foreign students and improve its effectiveness. The study also showed that there is a need to work with the problem of the language barrier in the university environment.

Keywords: foreign students, academic adaptation, intercultural communication.

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For citation:

Sokolova E.V. Academic stressors of foreign students in Russia. CITISE, 2021, no. 4, pp.386-397. DOI: http://doi.org/10.15350/2409-7616.2021.4.36

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