Psychological and sociocultural adaptation of medical university international students in Armenia

Moving from one academic environment to another and relocating in a new country to study is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The article deals with the problem of socio-cultural adaptation of foreign students who come to study in Armenia at medical universities. Based on the results of a study conducted in 2021-2022, the degree of adaptability of Indian students to the new social, cultural and academic realities of Armenia was studied.

The object of the study was 140 students who arrived from India and study at the Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University. It has been established that the most important factors for successful adaptation to new conditions for a foreign student are overcoming the language barrier, creating a favorable communication system of interaction, getting used to the conditions of the Armenian education system. Most of the respondents agreed that they like the Armenian culture and that there are linguistic similarities between the two peoples. This fact can serve as a basis for successful adaptation to the Armenian reality.

Conclusion: This study identifies to lighted critical issues in supporting international students with adaptation problems to university life in Armenia.  It is on this basis that we can talk about symmetrical adaptation. The results of the study can be used in educational activities to optimize the process of adaptation of foreign medical students.