Foreign students at Russian universities: intercultural interaction as a basis for countering extremism

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Abstract

The paper raises an actual issue of the mechanisms for foreign students’ socio-cultural adaptation in modern conditions of education in the Russian Federation, as a measure to counter extremism. The authors analyze the results of their own sociological research conducted among foreign students of Volgograd State University. Based on the data obtained, the authors came to the conclusion that properly developed mechanisms of foreign students’ socio-cultural adaptation to new living conditions positively affects the quality and quantity of students’ knowledge, skills and abilities. Moreover, integration of foreign and Russian students is essential, but the emphasis in educational field should take into the account foreign students’ socio-cultural specifics. A student can show high rates of entry into the proposed socio-cultural environment, acceptance of attitudes, values, norms of the host country. In order to conduct a competent policy of intercultural interaction, it is necessary to create a clear program for the prevention of interethnic conflicts and extremism among students.