ADAPTATION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS:THE CASE OF TURKMENS IN THE SOCHI BRANCH OF PATRICE LUMUMBA PEOPLES’ FRIENDSHIP UNIVERSITY OF RUSSIA

his study presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted in 2023–2024 at the Sochi Institute (branch) of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University, which examines intercultural communication and adaptation processes among Turkmen students in a new sociocultural environment. The research addresses a growing demographic trend: the increasing enrollment of students from Central Asian states of the former USSR in Russian universities, who often face linguistic, ethno-psychological, and sociocultural challenges during integration. By analyzing regional institutional practices, this work identifies strategies to support foreign students and proposes recommendations for higher education institutions. The methodology combines general scientific approach with anthropological methods (questionnaires, interviews, case studies). Data processing included statistical analysis and visualization of results through charts and case study narratives. The 2023 survey highlighted the rapid adaptation of Turkmen students to the Russian-language academic environment and urban life in Sochi. Successful integration was attributed to such institutional practices as: a) ethnically diverse student groups and the promotion of cross-cultural interaction within academic cohorts; b) extracurricular activities that involve Turkmen students in sports competitions, cultural festivals, and educational events; c) peer mentoring programs and structured support systems that pair newcomers with senior students; d) language immersion initiatives — Russian language workshops integrated with local cultural activities. The research underscores the role of intentional institutional frameworks in mitigating adaptation barriers. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on international student mobility and intercultural pedagogy in post-Soviet educational contexts.