INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AS A TOOL OF SOFT POWER

 

Anna Filatova¹*, Galina Tsvetkova²

¹Assoc. Prof. Dr., Mari State University, Russia, annvit@rambler.ru

²Assoc. Prof. Dr., Mari State University, Volga State University of Technology, Russia, galla_200760@mail.ru

*Corresponding Author

 

Abstract

Globalization and digitalization as key trends in the modern world ensure the growth of international cooperation in the field of education. The knowledge economy creates a growing demand for competitive education not only within the country but also abroad. Educational services are a growing export item, soft power that promotes not only well-known universities, but also local universities to export markets. At the same time, soft power strategy allows Russian regions to promote local brands, national culture along with educational services.

The goal of the paper is to show practical aspects of international cooperation in the field of education on the example of two local universities - Mari State University and Volga State University of Technology (the Republic of Mari El, Russia). The authors provide statistical data that confirm the growth both in the number of international students and the number of countries they come from. Currently, almost three thousand international students have come to study in the Republic of Mari El from the CIS countries, Central, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South and North America.

Arriving in a foreign country, international students face various sorts of difficulties. First of all, they are directly related to the educational process, since a significant part of the classes are conducted in Russian. To make the process of learning more comfortable, teachers should adapt teaching materials for foreign students: highlight key points and give clear examples. Moreover, they should create “safe” learning environment in which students can feel confident in their abilities, give the opportunity to work at their own pace, make their speech clear and distinct.

International students have difficulties not only with educational process but also with adaptation to new living conditions. Promotion of international friendship greatly depends on how successful universities are in creating a safe educational environment for international students. Currently, growth in educational services for international students is the result of a good ratio between the price and the quality of educational services, low communication barriers for visitors from the CIS countries, a favorable environment and infrastructure.

Thus, international cooperation of the universities in the Republic of Mari El is an instrument of soft power, a tool for promoting the provincial region to overseas markets.

Keywords: international students, educational environment, methodological support, international cooperation, export