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Universities attempt to tailor their educational processes to the labour market, by working to improve graduates’ innovation and practical skills. One method to accomplish this is the use of academic foreign exchange programmes. When studying abroad, students experience different styles of education, gain valuable knowledge in their major and develop communication skills. In addition, they have the opportunity to live independently in another culture for an extended period of time, develop confidence and self-understanding, learn another language, gain a unique cultural experience and make new lifelong friends. All these experiences make graduates more employable and may lead to rapid promotions. This article considers the benefits of participation in academic exchange programmes and presents the results of a survey taken by graduate students at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University who participated in a range of academic exchange programmes. The survey showed their expectations and attitudes towards these programmes, as well as the results of their participation.