Adaptation of the foreign students on the Russian labor market (on the example of Moscow)

Abstract

The subject of the research is the peculiarities of adaptation of educational migrants in the labor market of the city of Moscow. The main method of the author's sociological research “Your Life and Work in Moscow” is a formalized interview of foreign students studying at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the factors that promote and hinder the employment of foreign students in Moscow, highlight the main areas of their paid employment, consider the degree of satisfaction of working students with the regime, working conditions, salary levels, and relationships in the workforce. Particular attention is paid to self-employed foreign students. It is shown that students prefer selfemployment primarily because it allows them to combine work with study. The study revealed that the majority of foreign students on their own initiative are involved in informal employment, including due to the existing complicated procedure of formalizing employment. Most of the surveyed foreign students work flexibly and are generally satisfied with the regime and working conditions. Foreign students are distinguished by good knowledge of the Russian language, openness to new knowledge and a desire to adapt in Russian society. The paper proposed a number of practical recommendations for improving the legal status of educational migrants in Russia. Keywords–adaptation, educational migrants, foreign students, employment, informal employment, selfemployment, career growth, Russian citizenship