Constructing a model of intercultural adaptation for international students in the educational environment of a Russian university

the article is devoted to the most important aspects of adaptation by international students studying in Russian universities. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis based on grounded theory was used to identify key components of student adaptation and construct a structural model. On the one hand, in-depth interviews with international students were conducted, which allowed the collection of more accurate data and the construction of a comprehensive picture of the multidimensional model of adaptation. On the other hand, an online survey of international students at the preparatory department of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia was conducted on the QuestionStar platform. Questionnaires were developed to collect and analyze the data. According to the research, international students face problems in communicative, socio-residential, academic, and psychological adaptation. They are interrelated and influence each other: psychological problems are linked to internal factors, and social problems – to external factors. Communicative and learning difficulties interconnect them, forming an overall picture of international students' adaptation in Russia.

international students, adaptation problem, conceptual model, in-depth interview, questionnaire, foreign cultural environment