A NETWORK EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: ORGANIZATIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO STUDENTS

Abstract

The article examines the advantages of implementing an educational program through network collaboration between universities, which creates a synergistic effect by combining the unique core competencies, distinctive approaches to instruction organization, research and methodological approaches, and resources of each participating institution. This allows for the creation of an educational product unavailable to any single university and enhances graduates’ competitiveness by providing integrated knowledge and access to two academic communities. Moreover, this model optimizes resource utilization, as each university is responsible for the part of the program in which it is a recognized leader. The article describes the experience of network collaboration between the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and the Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management (NSUEM) in implementing the program “Legal Support for International Business in Asian Markets” with two majors: “Jurisprudence” by NSUEM and “Trade” by MGIMO, focused on training specialists for the career in the markets of Northeast Asia, primarily in China. The author highlights a number of advantages of foreign language instruction in the program as well as some challenges for foreign language teaching, including heterogeneous entry level of language proficiency, high intensity of instruction, increased cognitive load on students, organizational and methodological challenges. Based on personal experience and a study of best practices, the author proposes solutions to address the challenges of organizing foreign language instruction in a network educational program: establishing uniform requirements for program acquisition, implementing a multi‑level system of language support for students, and investing in university academic staff.