The Experience of CIS and SCO Network Universities in Working with Students

This article presents the results of the expert session “Technologies for Working with Foreign Citizens – Graduates of Country Educational Programs” held at the Center for International Humanitarian Communication Research at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, named after Patrice Lumumba on November 21, 2024. The session discussed the following issues: how effective and viable existing formats for working with graduates are; what mechanisms exist for building a corporate identity for graduates of country’s educational programs; and what mechanisms can be used to increase the motivation of foreign students to continue interacting with their alma mater in the long term. Based on the results of the discussion, experts developed recommendations for effective involvement and retention of graduates in an integrated community that is friendly to the Russian Federation. The authors of this article presented reports on the activities of the CIS and SCO Network Universities during the discussion.The authors note that network universities are an important tool for developing educational and scientific cooperation, strengthening intercultural communications, and increasing the mobility of students and teachers. They contribute to the formation of a common educational space and harmonization of national education systems, which can have a positive impact on economic and social development in participating countries in the long run. However, despite the existing potential, network universities face a number of problems that limit their effectiveness. This also affects the opportunities for working with foreign citizens - graduates of network programs at Russian Universities. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the functioning mechanisms of Network Universities and increase their attractiveness to all participating countries.