FORMATION OF THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to studying the formation of the cultural identity of international students in the context of global socio-educational changes. It reveals the peculiarities of the adaptation of young people to new cultural and social conditions and shows how this adaptation affects their self-identification. The focus is on the extent to which universities can support and develop a multicultural environment, providing both academics and the value component of the educational process. The study analyzes the ethical challenges that arise in connection with mass student mobility and the globalization of education. The emphasis is on the importance of implementing special adaptation programs, social and psychological support, and the formation of a tolerant environment in higher education institutions to reduce cultural barriers. The study results show that combining national educational traditions with modern methods of organizing the educational process contributes to the harmonious development of the potential of international students and the enrichment of the domestic educational system. Special attention is paid to strategic principles that can be used to build an effective educational policy at the macro level. Their application will ensure the sustainable development of intercultural dialogue, contribute to the formation of a responsible attitude to global challenges, and help build future universities focused on creating an open, culturally diverse, and, at the same time, cohesive society. Such a model of interaction in the future strengthens the competitiveness of Ukrainian universities on the world stage and expands the range of educational opportunities for students from all over the world.