In today's world, interstate education contacts are increasing at an intensive rate, and a growing number of young people would like to acquire an education outside of their own country. To a large extent, the success of foreign college students' studies and the level of their professional training depend on their sociocultural adaptation. It is the job of the host country to "provide the optimal conditions for their living and educational needs," taking account of the complex process of adaptation to a new way of life. However, even under the most favorable conditions of international contacts, anyone entering a new culture encounters a variety of difficulties. In this article, the authors surveyed foreign students and graduate students in various educational institutions in Bashkortostan to examine how they adapt to the socio-cultural environment of Russian society.