СОЦІОКУЛЬТУРНИЙ ТА АКАДЕМІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТИ АДАПТАЦІЇ ІНОЗЕМНИХ СТУДЕНТІВ В УНІВЕРСИТЕТАХ УКРАЇНИ

Abstract

The article covers the main problems of the foreign students’ adaptation in Ukrainian universities. The socio-cultural adaptation is analyzed; the indicators of its successful overcoming are distinguished, namely: positive emotions in relations with others and the ability of a person to get over changes in social and cultural environment by adjusting to the culture. On analyzing the source base of the study, four main stages of the cultural adaptation process are presented: the honeymoon, culture shock, recovery and adaptation. It is stated that not all students pass the stages with equal success and at the same time. The explanation of academic adaptation and the key referent results of its successful overcoming by foreign students are given. Among them it is singled out success of training, orientation to the future profession, ability to work independently and in a group.Common problems in the foreigners’ adaptation and core necessary university services to help them successfully adapt and study in unfamiliar academic environment are identified. The orientation programs, work of the international student office and various on campus services are described. It is important that these services should be connected not only with education but also with participation in social, cultural, sports and other leisure activities, as well as providing academic, cultural, sports activities, group work, volunteering etc. Much attention is paid to the teachers and mentors’ work with foreign students.Among the main grounds for the foreign students’ successful adaptation at the initial stage are the knowledge of Ukrainian and social support. We state that a teacher or advisor’s consultations during the admission hours in the faculty also has a positive effect on the student adaptation process.It is noted the importance of the propaedeutic preparation and the course of Ukrainian as a foreign language for foreign students to form their communication competence, which will allow communicating freely in different spheres of activity.