The article reviews the results of sociological research on the adaptation of foreign students studying at universities in the Republic of Tatarstan, and the prevention of student delinquent behavior. The text analyzes the current trends of development of the Russian higher education, including the example of the Kazan Federal University. One of these trends is the increase of foreign students, as their number directly affects the position in the ranking of a particular University. The increase in the number of foreign students is itself a positive process that shows attention to the University in many countries. It all fits in the trends of internationalization of modern education. However, in terms of geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the Western countries, in a tense foreign policy situation, this increase conceals a number of risks, threats and challenges. Constant terrorist threat for Russia and adjoining countries raises questions about the appropriateness of intensive internationalization of education in leading Russian universities, because it has the opposite side in the form of penetration of the representatives of extremist and terrorist groups on the territory of the Russian Federation and its regions. Sociological research which was cited among the foreign students of the Republic of Tatarstan has helped to identify points of social tension in the relationship of this group with the local population, in campuses, in the process of learning, public transport, etc. The results allow to draw first conclusions for prevention delinquent behavior of foreign students, to outline future research in-depth study of the process of adaptation. Currently the situation is relatively calm.