Abstract:

The internationalisation of higher education has resulted in increased number of universities providing a variety of educational programmes for foreign students and in the development of university policies to attract new international students. But still little is known about the adaptation process of Chinese and Arab students during their study in Russia. Foreign students face a number of challenges from adaptation to a new educational environment to a completely new social and cultural lifestyle. This paper analyzes the experiences and satisfaction of foreign students studying in Russian higher education institution (South Ural State University). The findings show that students’ experience of study abroad is shaped by a number of different factors including their satisfaction with their educational context and subjective rating of social and cultural environment. This research aims to provide recommendations, basic principles for an educational institution that enrolls foreign students. A semi-structured interview was conducted to gain an insight into foreign students’ experience and adaptation strategies in Russian university. The participants were of different age, gender and academic experience. The interview revealed a range of different and similar challenges that Chinese and Arab students face in Russian university. The problems were classified according to academic, social and cultural aspects. Analysis of these issues will lead to the development of a more adequate programme of cultural, social and academic support for international students.

Keywords:

Adaptation, higher education, satisfaction, Arab students, Chinese students.