Abstract:

The authors explore the phenomenon of international education, paying special attention to postgraduate students and using the several decades’ experience of working with more than 50 nationalities in the international Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).

The importance of the topic can be explained by the fact that throughout the early 21st century the system of education has been changing all over the world, this is caused by numerous social and political factors, situation in the labor market and technical progress. Among the reasons for such changes are the rise of the interest in higher education and an increasing prestige of degrees.

The research also shows that the labor market globalization leads to such trends as using outsourcing, remote work, telecommute and international freelancers. While providing new opportunities for one part of the world’s population, it also increases unemployment in other regions. As a result, it raises the requirements for those who want to enter the aforementioned market and compete in it. Flexibility of employment also does not contribute to having a sense of job security, therefore, investing time and money in obtaining a Master’s Degree is considered to be productive.

Aside from career aspirations, the desire to pursue postgraduate studies abroad can be motivated by various personal factors, including broadening one’s horizons, changing the country of residence, receiving new qualifications and becoming involved in the process of lifelong learning.

This study utilizes data obtained from various case studies and surveys conducted in groups of students with different backgrounds.

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, international students, postgraduate education specifics.