A joint degree program as a promising model for organizing network interaction between Russian and China universities: Analysis of prospects for cooperation in the context of internationalization in education

Introduction. The article analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with the development and implementation of joint degree programs (JDPs) for undergraduate studies, taking into account the specific features of the education systems of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. The purpose of the study is to identify and describe the prerequisites necessary for the effective development and implementation of joint degree programs, and to present an analysis practical aspects and prospects for cooperation between Russian and Chinese universities in the context of the internationalization of education, taking into account the national specifics of both educational systems. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study was formed by works on the internationalization of education as a factor in improving its quality, works devoted to the network interaction of educational institutions, as well as the modeling and design of educational programs. The study was conducted using the following methods: theoretical analysis of scholarly literature on the stated issue, comparative analysis of regulatory documents in the field of education of the two countries, and a modeling method in the development of international joint degree programs. Results. The authors substantiate the strategic advantages of networking between Chinese and Russian higher education institutions, examining the concepts of networking and joint degree programs. Examples of networked international collaboration in the implementation of degree programs in Philology (Linguistics) are provided. Particular attention is paid to key areas of research and educational activities at universities, including the promotion of the Russian language. A special role is given to the problems of studying Russian as a foreign language by students pursuing joint degree programs and the development of their intercultural and communicative competencies. The authors obtained the following results: 1) based on the analysis of regulatory documents, the difficulties encountered by educational institutions in Russia and China during the detailed development of joint degree programs were identified, and opportunities for overcoming legal conflicts were outlined; 2) using the example of the creation and implementation of two models of JDPs at Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University (NSPU), ways of solving a number of problems that arise during the modeling and implementation of JDPs are shown. Conclusions. The study reveals that the difficulties that arose during the development and implementation of joint degree programs using the example of interaction between a Russian pedagogical university and Chinese universities (Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Normal University, Guangdong Science and Technology Vocational Institute) are primarily due to regulatory issues and differences in the organization of the educational process at Russian and Chinese universities. They require prompt solutions and conducting regular dialogue with the partner university. The initial positive results of the JDPs implementation have been achieved: NSPU graduates are now enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs at Russian universities, and successfully find employment in their field in China. Joint degree programs promote long-term educational collaboration between higher educational institutions by creating sustainable academic links.