Peculiarities of international activities of Russian universities during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction. The peculiarities of international activities of Russian universities in the context of the pandemic consists of many factors, such as the number of foreign students from near or far abroad, the degree of their adaptation, IT skills and equipment, and readiness to switch to distance teaching, the peculiarities of their educational field and practices. Purpose setting. The main objective of the article is to analyze the peculiarities of international activities of Russian universities during the pandemic. Methodology and methods of the study. The materials used in the article present the analysis of semi-structured interviews with rectors, vice-rectors and persons responsible for international activities of the universities. To conduct 17 semi-structured interviews of Novosibirsk universities' representatives for international affairs (or employees in a similar position, for example, heads of international services) we developed a questionnaire. Results. The core of each semi-structured interview are several blocks of discussion of problems: features of activities of the international services of universities during the pandemic; development of quality of education and language training; problems of adaptation and extracurricular activities of foreign students during the pandemic; foreign students' feedback issues during the pandemic; mechanisms and ways to attract foreign students during the pandemic. Conclusion. The obtained results allows us to conclude that there are common problems and specific ones, typical for universities dealing with a specific educational field. We formulated the main conclusions related to the improvement of the activities of international departments in new conditions. The article will be of interest to employees of international departments, teachers working with foreign students, heads of universities.