German language in the context of internationalization of higher education

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.