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ISSN 2687-0770 BULLETIN OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. NORTH CAUCASUS REGION. SOCIAL SCIENCE. 2021. No. 1
УДК 338.439.4
doi 10.18522/2687-0770-2021-1-95-100
FROM PRIORITY TO DIVERSITY: PROSPECT OF EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CHINESE AND RUSSIAN REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
ОТ ПРИОРИТЕТА К РАЗНООБРАЗИЮ: ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОГО СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВА КИТАЙСКИХ И РОССИЙСКИХ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ УНИВЕРСИТЕТОВ
Хуан Чжидун а
аЮжный федеральный университет, Ростов-на-Дону, Россия
Internationalization of higher education is a trend of future education. Chinese-Russian higher education cooperation has increased rapidly. The regional education cooperation between the China and Russia should be enhanced & promoted. The author's results of the questionnaire from the Chinese students of the Southern Federal University, in Rostov-on-Don, show that the satisfaction of education of Chinese students is very high, which will bring positive choice preference to regional institutes for bilateral education cooperation.
The survey shows, the international students' alternative for further education in Russia tends to diversify instead of priority. Based on the reality that the analysis reveals, regional universities of the Russian Federation should highlight its feasibility of international regional education cooperation, and create more positive and pragmatic strategies for realistic vulnerabilities. The goal is to improve the attractiveness of Russian education programs to foreign citizens, improve their conditions of stay while studying in Russia, and enhance the visibility and status of Russian education brands in the international education market.
Keywords: Chinese-Russian regional education cooperation, priority, diversity, regional universities, survey analysis, international education market, visibility and status of Russian education brands.
Интернационализация высшего образования является тенденцией образования будущего. Китайско-российское сотрудничество в сфере высшего образования быстро расширяется. Региональное сотрудничество в области образования между Китаем и Россией следует расширять и развивать. Результаты авторского анкетирования китайских студентов Южного федерального университета в Ростове-на-Дону показывают, что удовлетворенность китайских студентов обучением очень высока, что задает региональным институтам положительный вектор для двустороннего сотрудничества в области образования.
Опрос показывает, что альтернатива дальнейшему образованию со стороны иностранных студентов имеет тенденцию к диверсификации, а не приоритету. Исходя из реальности, которую демонстрирует анализ, региональные университеты Российской Федерации должны подтвердить целесообразность международного регионального сотрудничества в области образования, а также разработать более позитивные и прагматичные стратегии для ликвидации проблемных зон. Цель управления - повысить привлекательность российских образовательных программ для иностранных граждан, улучшить условия их пребывания во время обучения в России, а также повысить узнаваемость и статус российских образовательных брендов на международном рынке образовательных услуг.
а
© 2021 Huang Zhidong а
Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
а
Huang Zhidong -Postgraduate, Department of Innovation and International Management, Southern Federal University, Gorkogo St., 88, Rostov-on-Don, 344002, Russia. E-mail: chuan@sfedu.ru
Хуан Чжидун -аспирант,
кафедра инновационного и международного менеджмента, Южный федеральный университет, ул. Горького, 88, г. Ростов-на-Дону, 344002, Россия. E-mail: chuan@sfedu.ru
ISSN 2687-0770 BULLETIN OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. NORTH CAUCASUS REGION. SOCIAL SCIENCE. 2021. No. 1
Ключевые слова: китайско-российское региональное сотрудничество в области образования, приоритет, разнообразие, региональные университеты, анализ опроса, международный рынок образования, узнаваемость и статус российских образовательных брендов.
Introduction
In the last two decades, Russia Federation and People's Republic of China strengthen economic ties and enhance cultural exchanges which promotes regional education cooperation. Personal satisfaction by evaluating of academic quality and infrastructure will affect choice preference when international students choose destination abroad. In order to identify the satisfaction from international students, based on evaluation of academic quality and infrastructure, a survey is implemented in 2019. This paper is the second part of the survey1.
In 2018 the bilateral trade between Russia and China amounts to $107 billion. In terms of trade scale and structure, according to the statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China, the bilateral trade between China and Russia increased by 27.1% in 2018, ranking first among China's major trading partners. China continues to maintain its position as Russia's largest trading partner, and Russia is China's tenth largest trading partner [1].
Russia's unique culture has attracted more Chinese tourists. According to the information released during the fourth China Russia Mongolia Tourism Ministers' Meeting, in 2018, 2,414 million Russian citizens visited China, an increase of 3 % year on year. 2,037 million Chinese citizens visited Russia, up 21.3 % year on year [2].
Mutual economic interconnection and cultural attraction between China and Russia have created favorable conditions for expanding Sino-Russian educational cooperation. Regional education cooperation provides more opportunities to Chinese students to get better higher education in Russia. In 2019, there were 24,226 Chinese students studying at Russian universities, an increase of 23.6 % compared with 2018 [3].
Two decades ago, Chinese students took priority to study at universities located in Moscow or St. Petersburg, nowadays more than three hundred thousand Chinese students study in five hundred institutions located in eighty-five cities of Russia [4]. With the rapidly increase of the number of Chinese students, more and more Russian regional universities have taken part in regional education co-
1 Часть 2. Продолжение статьи: Huang Zhidong. Factors Influencing Chinese Student Preference Bias Towards Russian Regional Universities // Изв. вузов. Сев.-Кавк. регион. Обществ. науки. 2020. № 1. С. 89-94.
operation. Consequently, regional education cooperation has been a trend from priority to diversity, which will make a great influence on the regional education cooperation between the Russian Federation and PRC.
For Russian regional universities, it is vital to get more international student market share from the trend of diversity to expand the scope of academic influence globally. In regard to regional universities, there is a need to research, what determine the possibility to attract more Chinese students and strengthen the regional education cooperation when they choose a regional university as their destination?
Methodology and Sample
Sociological research on this issue is implemented by questionnaires among one hundred and twenty Chinese students studying at Southern Federal University of Russia. The survey is comprised of twenty-three questionnaires; eleven of them are taken as samples for the sequel of another paper. The samples make it possible to trace the satisfaction of international students studying at a regional university in Russia Federation.
The aim of the second part of the survey is to identify the satisfaction of international students, based on personal evaluation of academic quality and infrastructure, after international students have studied at a regional university of the Russian Federation for three months. The analysis makes it possible to offer constructive advice to the Russian regional institutions for the policy-making of regional education cooperation.
Topics of the survey
Questionnaires are divided into several topics, such as satisfaction about courses and infrastructure, willingness to get further study at a regional university of Russia.
The research is based on these topics, focusing on personal satisfaction with educational quality, campus living and study which represent objective opinion about the regional education cooperation.
Participants
In order to compare the results of the survey, different participants have been chosen as far as
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possible: undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate. There are one hundred and twenty international students from China participating the survey, all of them are studying at Southern Federal University of Russia.
Response and representativeness
Considering the background of participants and dimensions of the questionnaires, we insist that the participation in the survey is anonymous and voluntary. The questions should be completed; one hundred and twenty completed responses have been taken back.
Analysis and discussion
According to the statistics, table 1 shows that eighty-two students, making up 68.3%, have inquired about the location and transportation of the university before they go to Russia which indicates that logistics has a powerful impact on regional education cooperation; and 41.7% of the students have contacted other students who have already studied in this university, which shows that impression from registered students will affect new comers' choice preference.
Table 1
Preparation students have made before they come to South Federal University
/ Подготовительные действия студентов, предпринятые перед поступлением
Preparation Percentage
To check accommodation information 22.5
To inquire about the location and transportation of the university 68.3
To access to information about Russian culture 37.5
To make a budget for studying and living in Russia 43.3
To enquire Russian banking system 3.3
To contact students who have already studied in this university 41.7
To enquire the information on Russian life insurance 5.8
To inquire about telephone and Internet information of Russia 11.7
To learn Russian 58.3
For the academic quality, table 2 reveals that 80.8 % international students give positive response, only 19.2 % give negative response, which
shows that international students are very satisfied with the quality of Russian higher education.
Table 2
The academic quality students have received from the university / Академическая
Quality Percentage
Very good 31.7
Good 49.1
Very poor 19.2
Poor 0
For the satisfaction of accommodation, table 3 presents that 75 % of them are quite content, 25 % of respondents are disappointed. For the impression of the university life in Russia, table 4 shows that about 70 % international students give positive response.
Table 3
Suitability of the accommodation
Suitability Percentage
Very suitable 30.0
Suitable 45.0
Not suitable 20.8
Not suitable at all 4.2
Table 4
Impression of the university life in Russia / Впечатление от университетской жизни в России
Impression Percentage
Very good 26.7
Good 41.7
Poor 31.6
Very poor 0
Based on the satisfaction, table 5 tells us that more than 90 % international students will recommend Russia regional universities as study destination to other Chinese students.
Table 5
Willingness to recommend Russia regional university as a study destination to other students / Готовность рекомендовать российский региональный университет
Willingness Percentage
Definitely yes 19.2
Probably yes 71.7
Probably no 9.1
Definitely no 0
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Although international students satisfied with academic quality and the accommodation, they have encountered various difficulties in life and study. It can be seen from table 6, a multiple-choice question that 28.3% international students have taken part in Russia fraternity, only 13.3% have taken part in university scientific projects and grants, 22.5% have taken part in university sport/culture projects, and 55.0 % have not taken part in any university activities.
Table 6
Participation in out-classes activity of the university / Участие во внеучебной
Participation Percentage
Taking part in Russia fraternity 28.3
Taking part in university scien- 13.3
tific projects and grants
Taking part in university 22.5
sport/culture projects
Other 55.0
Table 7, a multiple-choice question, presents the difficult things which have negative influence on study or living in Russia for international students from China. Living and cultural difference accounts for 50,8 %, language difficulty 58,3 %, and infra-structural conditions 37,5 % respectively.
Table 7
Difficult things which have negative influence on your study or living in Russia / Сложности, оказывающие негативное влияние
Difficult things Percentage
Living and cultural difference 50.8
Teaching standards and methodology 26.7
Language difficulty 58.3
Infrastructural conditions 37.5
Administrative rules 19.2
Other 9.2
Table 8
Willingness to continue education in Russia regional university / Готовность продолжить обучение в российском региональном вузе
Willingness Percentage
To continue education at a regional uni- 25.8
versity of Russia
To move to the capital university of Russia 21.7
To continue study in the other country 8.3
To return home and work/study 31.7
Other 12.5
Table 9
The way to apply what you have learned in Russia to practice after your graduation / Пути применения навыков на практике
Ways Percentage
To go to an academic institute 21.7
To work as an employee in a company 49.1
To work as a civil servant in China 1.7
To start up my business 21.7
Other 5.8
Table 10 includes the answers to a multiple-choice question. International students are required to choose some criteria they have taken into consideration for the selection of a regional university in Russia. It can be seen from the survey, 55 % choose world university rankings of the regional university, 27.5 % choose the quality of teachers/tutors of the regional university. For international students, to get better education is the most important factor to make the decision to study abroad in Russian regional institutions.
Table 10
Criteria students take into consideration for the selection of regional university in Russia / Критерии, которые принимаются во внимание студентами при выборе
Table 8 shows that 25.8% international students from China have willingness to continue education at a regional university of Russia, 21.7% will move to a capital university of Russia after graduation, and 31.7% will return to China.
Table 9 reveals the employment preference of international students, that 21.7 % international students want go to an academic institute, 49.1 % want to work as an employee in a company, and 21.7 % want to start up business by themselves.
Criteria Percentage
World university rankings of the regional university 55.0
Quality of teachers/tutors 27.5
Friends' opinion 23.3
Parents or relatives' opinion 21.5
Other 27.5
Table 11 shows the result of another multiple-choice question about the factors which affect the
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willingness of Chinese international students to choose a regional university in Russia. It can be seen from the survey, living and accommodation cost makes up 37.5 %, more opportunities for further education make up 35.8 %. Therefore, study cost and educational opportunities are the most important reasons for Chinese students to choose a regional university in Russia.
Table 11
Reasons for your decision to study in Russia regional university / Причины решения учиться в российском региональном
In recent years, great changes have taken place in the world pattern, and the internationalization of higher education is the general trend. The internationalization of tertiary education has taken various forms. Countries compete to attract larger numbers of foreign students who are the source of valuable income and reputation for host universities and countries [5].
China and Russia are each other's largest neighbor, with increasingly close ties in the economic, political and social fields; the relationship between the two countries has risen to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It is urgent to enhance the cultural and educational cooperation, especially in the field of higher education cooperation for regional universities.
Firstly, it is valuable to enhance the attraction and promote the regional education cooperation. The survey reveals that the satisfaction from Chinese students is very high, which will bring positive choice preference to regional institutes for bilateral education cooperation. For Chinese students, on the one hand, studying in Russia has its own attraction in terms of satisfaction with accommodation and academic quality. On the other hand, Russia has its traditional advantageous majors, and the quality of teaching is guaranteed by the system. Therefore, integrating the core value of education cooperation will make it sustainable and stable.
Secondly, it is urgent to solve the problems related to regional education cooperation which will reduce the enthusiasm and willingness of choosing regional institutes. Chinese students studying in Russia generally will face problems such as low level of language, inconvenient logistics and transportation, great cultural differences and different teaching methods between the two countries, which have a certain impact on the study and life of students studying in Russia. On the premise of respecting the educational and cultural differences between China and Russia, we should find more effective solutions to the problems which affect the enthusiasm and willingness of learning in Russia.
Thirdly, both China and Russia have entered a new period of development which provides great opportunities for regional education cooperation. On the basis of existing cooperation, there is great potential for regional education cooperation. Therefore, it is needed to further expand the level of exchanges and improve the scale of educational cooperation. The prospect of regional education cooperation is very broad, Russian regional institutions should consider the factors fully when making policies to enhance regional education cooperation.
Internationalization of higher education is a trend of future education. With the advancement of global economic integration, the degree of regional economic integration has a profound impact on the regional education cooperation. Meanwhile, more and more Russian regional institutions have taken part in international education to seize the international student market which has been subdivided.
From the survey analysis, the alternative from international students tends to diversity instead of priority. Based on the reality that the analysis reveals, regional universities should highlight its feasibility of regional education cooperation, and create more positive and pragmatic strategies for realistic vulnerabilities. The goal is to improve the attractiveness of Russian education programs to foreign citizens, improve their conditions of stay while studying in Russia, and enhance the visibility and status of Russian education brands in the international education market [6].
References
1. General Administration of Customs P.R. China. Available at: http://www.customs.gov.cn/ (accessed October 20, 2020).
2. Available at: http:// sputniknews.cn/russia_ china_ relations/201906261028852762/ (accessed October 20, 2020).
университете
Reasons Percentage
Living and accommodation cost 37.5
Suitable class quality for your field of study 25.0
Strong faculty of the university 23.3
More opportunities for further education 35.8
Other 27.1
Conclusion
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3. Available at: https:// baijiahao.baidu.com/ s?id=1660850769102085337&wfr=spider&for=pc (accessed October 20, 2020).
4. China Daily. 2019. Third June. Available at: http://ru.people.com.cn/n1/2019/0604/c408039-
31117973.html (accessed October 20, 2020).
5. UNESCO: Global Education Monitoring Report 2019.
6. About the priority project "Export of education". (in Russian).
Литература
1. General Administration of Customs P.R. China. URL: http://www.customs.gov.cn/ (дата обращения: 20.10.2020).
2. URL: http:// sputniknews.cn/ russia_china_ relations/ 201906261028852762/ (дата обращения: 20.10.2020).
3. URL: https:// baijiahao.baidu.com/ s?id=166085 0769102085337&wfr=spider&for=pc (дата обращения: 20.10.2020).
4. China Daily. 2019. Third June. URL: http://ru.people. com. cn/n1/2019/0604/c408039-
31117973.html (дата обращения: 20.10.2020).
5. UNESCO: Global Education Monitoring Report 2019.
6. О приоритетном проекте «Экспорт образования».
Поступила в редакцию / Received 19 января 2021 г. / January 19, 2021
