The Essence and Goals of Students’ Extracurricular Activities in the Context of Foreign Research

The article examines the essential characteristics of students’ extracurricular activities and outlines their primary objectives based on the findings of international research. The author provides a conceptual clarification of key terms, including intracurricular (academic) and extracurricular (non-academic) activities; academic, personal, and social integration; interculturalism and multiculturalism; transversal competencies, and transferability. The main goals of extracurricular activities are described as fostering students’ personal development, building social and professional (including supra-professional) skills, creating favorable conditions for socialization and integration into the academic environment of higher education institutions, and alleviating stress-related conditions. The development of transversal competencies through extracurricular engagement is shown to be especially effective when combined with academic learning, as it supports the simultaneous growth of both academic and socio-personal potential. The article highlights the key features of personal and social integration, which are activated through informal participation in extracurricular settings – such as peer-to-peer interactions, the ability to build interpersonal relationships, and the internalization of institutional values. These aspects contribute to a sense of belonging within the university community. Special emphasis is placed on the motivational function of extracurricular activities and the importance of creating thematic links between such activities and students’ academic specializations.