Labor employment of foreign students in universities of the Saratov region: A sociological analysis

The article examines the labor practices of foreign students studying at the universities in Saratov region, with a focus on their adaptation to the Russian labor market. The study is based on the results of a quantitative (survey, n = 200) and qualitative (in-depth interviews, n = 12) analysis. The main employment sectors of foreign students, such as the hospitality industry, delivery services, and taxi driving, are identified. The key employment challenges, including unfair payments, penalty sanctions, language barriers, and the lack of work experience, are outlined. The factors influencing successful adaptation, such as flexible work schedules, payment stability, and the possibility of combining work with studies, are considered. The findings emphasize the need to develop support mechanisms for foreign students in the labor market, facilitating their social and economic integration into Russian society.