INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COOPERATION IN RUSSIAN STUDIES: THE CASE OF THE VIETNAMESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION IN RUSSIA.

Abstract

Learning Russian has become more urgent than ever for Vietnamese students due to historical factors, current foreign policies, government scholarships and funding from both Russia and Vietnam. While extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in enhancing Russian language proficiency, this aspect remains under-researched. This study investigates Vietnamese students’ initiatives to improve their Russian skills, drawing on experiences from those studying at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and other Russian universities. It also examines the development of Vietnamese student associations in Russia within the broader context of Soviet-era relations and alumni networks. The findings highlight the significance of extracurricular engagement in language acquisition and may benefit educators, students, and stakeholders in international education and Russian language teaching.