Features of the integration of Chinese students into the educational space of Russian universities

UDC 378(470+571):316.6-054.6(510)
DOI 10.20339/AM.04-26.049

Elena M. Boldyreva, D.Sc. (Philology), Professor of Institute of foreign languages, Southwest university, China, Chongqing, Baybay region, e-mail: e71mih@mail.ru

Xie Zhou, Dr of Philology, Distinguished Professor at Yili Normal University (China); Professor of Institute of foreign languages, Southwest university (China), e-mail: xiezhou1234@163.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9238-3034

Sergey L. Talanov, Cand. Sci. (Sociology), Docent, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushinsky; Head of the Yaroslavl Regional Branch of the All-Russian public and state Organization “Assembly of the Peoples of Russia”, e-mail: talanov_sergei@mail.ru

The article examines the mechanisms of the influence of university rankings on the process of choosing an educational institution by Chinese students studying at Russian universities. A sociological survey was conducted among this category of students to conduct the research. The results of the survey demonstrate that a significant number of respondents considered global university rankings when making their admission decisions. However, they were also aware of the fierce competition for international students between countries and understood that the ranking compilers tend to favor their own educational institutions, placing them in the leading positions. In addition, Chinese students used internal Russian rankings, online reviews, and faculty achievements to choose Russian universities. They believed that the prestige of a university was determined not by its geographical location (in a metropolis or a large city), but by its faculty potential. Before applying, students carefully researched the reputation and authority of the faculty members at each specific Russian university, indicating their commitment to obtaining a high-quality education and their desire to learn from recognized experts in their field. In addition, it has been found that Chinese students from families with higher education levels of their parents exhibit a stronger focus on international academic rankings compared to their peers from families with less educated parents. This phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the socioeconomic status of the families, the level of cultural capital, and the academic aspirations that are formed at an early age. Families with higher levels of education tend to have greater access to resources that contribute to their children's academic success. This paper presents scientifically based recommendations for improving the competitiveness of Russian higher education institutions in the international arena.

Keywords: soft power, Chinese students, inbound mobility, academic mobility, university rankings

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