This article describes the main contexts of internalization in the high school and several related aspects of teaching patriotism under the conditions of the intensification of intercultural interaction. The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) has for many years been a vivid example of the multinational multicultural educational environment, so the results of the sociological research conducted at the university, revealing the features of understanding, and manifesting patriotic views and attitudes of Russian and foreign students are of considerable interest. The conducted research has shown that there are no fundamental differences in the understanding of patriotism by Russian and foreign students. Nevertheless, it is worth noting, that the love for your country, the pride in its achievements, the willingness to sacrifice yourself for the good of the Motherland is more often associated with the concept of patriotism of the Russians. At the same time, veneration and respect for the state system, for symbols, willingness to serve in the army, love for one’s relatives are more characteristic of foreigners. It was also interesting that a considerable number of foreign students (from various regions) are interested in remaining in Russia after graduation. The article also highlights the problems associated with the risks of interethnic conflicts, the language barrier and the common complex adaptation of foreign students, which can be solved by well-established methods of educational work and properly coordinated efforts. The data given in the article can be used to make managerial decisions in universities that teach foreign citizens.