Institutionalized Formats of Interaction with Graduates of US Educational Programs

Abstract

Successful graduates of the international higher education programs are a potential source are not only for global economic and cultural development, but they also contribute to the exchange of knowledge and technology. A distinctive feature of these graduates is the opportunity to maintain a long-term and sometimes lifelong, mutually beneficial relationship with their alma mater and other graduates, regardless of their nationality. The authors analyze the nature of interaction with foreign students of the American colleges and universities through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and other bureaus and offices of the State Department, non-governmental professional and public associations. The article examines the functioning of the alumni associations of American universities and their role in the reputational support. Along with official graduate groups, the authors studied informal communities (social networks) of graduates of higher educational institutions in the United States. The study presents the perception of foreign students of American colleges and universities by the staff of analytical centers. Studying the mechanisms of interaction with international graduates of American colleges and universities is of interest, among other things, in order to improve the system of attracting foreign citizens to study in Russian higher education programs, to develop a system of formal and informal ties with graduates, and to raise the status of Russian education in the world.