Abstract
<jats:p>The aim of this study is to identify the potential of chatbots as a tool for enhancing the effectiveness of the independent learning of Russian as a foreign language among international students. The author proceeds from the premise that improving international students’ adaptation to the Russian-speaking environment can be facilitated through the use of chatbots in everyday life. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the theoretical substantiation and refinement of the didactic potential of chatbots in supporting the independent learning of Russian by international students, as well as in identifying and testing approaches to their integration into independent learning activities, thereby enhancing learner autonomy and optimizing the acquisition of linguodidactic material. The article presents an analysis of speech models of nine chatbots from various domains and identifies their didactic potential for teaching Russian as a foreign language, which formed the basis for developing a system of exercises. From January to February 2026, a teaching experiment was conducted among second-year students of Moscow Pedagogical State University studying Russian as a foreign language (B1-B2 levels). The results of the experiment confirmed the effectiveness of using chatbots to enhance the independent learning of international students in Russian language acquisition.</jats:p>