Formation of new identities in the personality of a young person of the postmodern age (on the example of an exchange student)

Abstract

In the article, the authors substantiate the relevance of considering the issue of the formation of new identities in the personality of a young person of the postmodern era (on the example of an exchange student). The most mobile and active are students and school youth, in particular, exchange students. The formation of new identities in the context of studying in non-national countries, in the need to identify and develop the ability to overcome international linguistic and interstate barriers, to establish contacts quickly, to successfully adapt to another educational space is possible due to sufficiently complex psychological and behavioral mechanisms. The focus is on such mechanisms of identity change as success in solving problems, behavior in the situation of choice, personal qualities. An analysis of the results of the survey revealed that 97,5 % of the participants had to overcome difficulties during their study/stay abroad and 22,3 % indicated that they had not completely overcome them. Most (72,8 %) students preferred a rational approach to problem-solving. However, the specification of emotional feelings revealed their full spectrum: increased anxiety, helplessness, decreased self-esteem, aggression, strong desire to solve the problem as soon as possible, fear to seek help, apathy, excitement to solve the problem, irritation. The results of the survey confirmed the need for purposeful formation of national pride and self-esteem in students, the need to know the world, themselves, make sense of their own lives, the ability to adapt to change and to exist in a multicultural space. Ultimately, this necessitates a change in higher education, change in policies towards higher education.