A Sociocultural Perspective on Learning: Arabic And Indian Medical Students Compared

Volgograd State Medical University, Department of Foreign Languages with a Course of Latin, 400131, Volgograd, Russia

^* Corresponding author: juliarud@inbox.ru

Abstract

The sociocultural backdrop of international students coming to a foreign country from different cultural and social environments plays a key role in shaping their attitude towards learning. The article explores and compares the motivational drives of international students from the Arab countries and India, which underlie their attitude to academic activities and academic progress. We used the method of systematic literature review, a questionnaire survey, comparative, quantitative, and qualitative analyses to obtain data on the value systems, traditions, and worldview of international students, which will make it possible for educators to appreciate the cultural contexts these students are embedded in. Social and cultural awareness of different aspects of the students’ value systems will enable teachers in host countries to contribute effectively to international student integration into the educational process.