AWARENESS OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC MOBILITY
Irina Meshkova1, Olga Sheremetieva2, Larissa Spynu3
1RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
2RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
3RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
The globalization process assumes learning different languages. One aspect of the activities of Russian universities is the expansion of academic mobility, which is viewed today as an important task and criterion for the effectiveness of universities. The Russian Federation signed a joint communiqué of the Ministerial Conference on Higher Education "Understanding of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)," which predetermined Russia's entry into the European educational space.
One of the most serious reasons hindering the process of academic mobility is the insufficient level of communicative competence among students and teachers alike, as well as a lack of disciplines and educational programs implemented in foreign languages. This is very urgent for the Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) which maintains stable relations with many foreign universities and international organizations. The University signed more than 200 agreements on cooperation with foreign universities and scientific centres and participates in more than 60 bilateral international programs.
The survey conducted by the authors showed that the students understand the importance of participating in academic mobility programs: among the factors that testify to the need to participate in such programs, students call the opportunity to broaden their horizons and develop professional competencies, in particular intercultural competence.
Trainers, who have received experience of intercultural professional communication through participation in research projects with partner universities, are able to fully complete the final work in a foreign language (double degree program). Such an opportunity predetermines the readiness of the university to implement joint educational programs with foreign partner universities.
Thus, knowledge of a foreign language at high level and intercultural professional communication are very important condition to ensure academic mobility in modern world.
Keywords: foreign language, academic mobility, communicative competence, intercultural professional communication.
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