GERMAN LANGUAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education as an international dimension of the educational
process, its scientific and innovative activity is an important resource to increase the universities’
competitiveness at a global market. The main tasks of the university in this direction include
the development of students’ and staff academic mobility, the expansion of international research
cooperation, the creation of collaborative educational programs with foreign universities. Proficiency
in a foreign language is one of the most critical conditions for successful participation
in international activities.
The article analyzes the cooperation of 21 Russian universities, members of 5-100 Initiative,
with scientific and educational German organizations. The authors took the information from
the official websites of universities. The study of international activities of higher schools has
shown that each university interacts with Germany, both in educational and research spheres.
The review of activities aiming to sustain and develop German language, as well as to contribute
to fortifying its position in the educational environment was presented.
The article justifies the need to keep the German language in the educational process, since
Germany is open for Russian specialists in the sphere of education and science and it is a promising
partner for the Russian universities.