Chinese Students in the Russian Higher Education Institutions: Motivation and Demotivating

Abstract

The growing dynamics of cooperation between Russia and China in various spheres of economic activity generate the need for training bilingual specialists. Russia has a significant educational potential, which includes a wide range of specialties and professions, it is an attractive country of study for students from China. The article based on in-depth interviews and analysis of statistical data, is aimed at identifying some of problematic issues regarding education of Chinese students in Russia. The research interest is focused on determining the educational and everyday needs of Chinese students, the motivational grounds for choosing a country of study, the prospects for internalization in the labor market and self-realization after qualification. The main factors that motivate the Chinese youth to receive education in Russia are: the attractiveness of the Russian language and culture, and the financial accessibility of Russian education. The results of the research allow also to conclude that the educational potential of Russia in relation to Chinese students in comparison with the countries of North America and Western Europe is realized insufficiently. The authors identified main reasons for such situation: the vague prospects for Chinese graduates of Russian universities in the labor market and the active policy of the Chinese government to return home students who received education abroad.