STUDYING THE SPECIFICS OF INTERCULTURAL INTERACTION AND MOTIVATIONAL ATTITUDES OF FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING AT UNIVERSITIES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

In the research the authors have studied direct and indirect cross-cultural contact as well as motivated behavior and language attitude in a study-abroad context in the Russian Federation. For the research purposes, the mixed method combining quantitative and qualitative research methodologies was applied in order to demonstrate contact, behavioral and motivational variables throughout one academic year of the foundation programme. The detailed analysis shows that written and media contacts had become more frequent throughout the year while the direct spoken contacts exhibit the opposite tendency. The authors give some recommendations that would encourage contact opportunities and reduce inter-group anxiety among foreign students. The authors conclude that it is necessary to organize comprehensive institutional support for international students in the following areas: adaptation to a new socio-cultural environment; establishing contacts with native speakers; organizing educational work with the host community represented by Russian students, teachers, etc.