INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN THE YOUTH ENVIRONMENT

The article examines the importance of international communications for the social formation and development of youth, as a special socio-demographic group that is the carrier of the intellectual and physical potential of society. The scientists' interpretation of the essence of the category “intercultural communication” was analyzed. It has been established that the role of intercultural communications in the youth environment is to promote the formation of new skills and abilities in young people, the ability to master international experience in various spheres of life, to establish connections between people of different cultures. Several tools of international communications in the youth environment are highlighted — youth exchanges, academic mobility, international volunteering, participation in international youth organizations, youth communications within the framework of international programs and competitions. The role of international youth exchanges is determined, the functions of the Youth Exchange Council of Ukraine and Lithuania are considered. The principles of academic mobility are considered, the forms of academic mobility of Ukrainian students are characterized, the advantages of international academic mobility are determined, which consist in expanding the horizons of students, improving their intercultural awareness, improving the quality of education, acquiring new unique professional skills, and improving foreign language skills. The significance of international volunteer programs is characterized, the goals and projects of international volunteer organizations “Global Volunteers” and the European Solidarity Corps are considered. It has been established that an effective means of intercultural communication among young people is participation in international youth organizations. The activity of the global platform for youth development “AIESEC” is analyzed, the goal of which is peace and the realization of the human potential of youth through intercultural exchange. The purpose and content of the Global Partners Education international program, in which students from more than 30 countries and about 60 universities annually participate, have been studied. A conclusion was made about the need for further research devoted to finding ways to expand the number of means and tools of intercultural communication of Ukrainian youth.