Problems of foreign students’ integration into the educational environment of a pedagogical university

A survey was conducted among foreign students studying at Natural Sciences Education Faculty of the I. Yakovlev Chuvash State Pedagogical University located in Cheboksary, the Republic of Chuvashia, Russia. The methodology was used to diagnose the learning motivation of students and a survey was conducted in order to identify socio-pedagogical conditions of students’ adaptation to the university. Leading motives have been established that determine the desire of foreign students to obtain higher education in Russian cities. The dynamics of student motivation changes has been revealed. It is also found that the assessment of the university and faculty management work by foreign students testifies to the favorable social and pedagogical environment that is developed at the faculty and university. Foreign students’ poor knowledge of special terminology used for the study of natural sciences is noted. The author identified that it is necessary for foreign students to acquire professional activities of pedagogical education bachelors. Studying at a pedagogical university is demanded by foreign citizens from Central Asia states. Working with foreign students enriches the teaching experience of faculty members. Strengthening multicultural relations, creating conditions conducive to the full self-realization of foreign student’s personality facilitates the process of their adaptation and integration into the educational environment. Training a prospective bachelor of pedagogical education as a specialist takes place in the context of motivations change throughout the learning process. At the same time, an important point is the confidence in the future profession. In such conditions, educational and cognitive motives become more important and stimulate students to acquire knowledge in the field of their chosen profession.