Student partnership project as an effective method of adaptation of foreign students in the Russian cultural and linguistic environment

This study examines the potential and significance of the partnership project method in facilitating the adaptation of international students, as well as the development of their external connections and social environment within the context of Russian society. The paper presents a student partnership project organized by the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language at Perm State Medical University and the Department of Foreign Languages at HSE University Perm. The project is executed through practice-oriented inter-university collaboration. Its objectives address interconnected challenges: firstly, the Indian student community in Perm remains isolated and inadequately integrated into the city's cultural and linguistic milieu. Secondly, residents of Perm and students at local universities have limited understanding of the living and educational experiences of the substantial number of international students residing in the city. The significance of the inter-university project lies in providing Perm and Indian students with opportunities to engage with one another, exchange cultural knowledge, establish both friendly and professional communication, and collaborate on the creation of a joint creative product. This initiative fosters interethnic dialogue and enhances the communication skills and intercultural competence of future professionals.