These days, distance learning has almost completely replaced traditional teaching methods due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of quarantine measures. A sharp rise in interest in distance learning methodology has raised a number of new questions and challenges. This research examines changes in the training process and cognitive abilities and academic performance during the coronavirus pandemic. Students of the I.M. Sechenov University and Al Ain University were surveyed (103) during classroom and distance English learning before and during the COVID-19. Three samples of the average values of the respondents' selfassessment of academic performance, cognitive abilities (namely concentration and memory), progress in performing oral assignments, progress in performing written assignments, ability to absorb information while reading and by ear; general health condition during the training and were obtained and tested for the Gaussian distribution law compliance. All of the rates studied fell during distance learning during a pandemic compared to distance learning outside a pandemic. However, it should be noted that they still turned out to be higher than the marks obtained in classroom teaching. Students were interviewed for possible factors influencing the reviewed teaching modes effectiveness (the survey showed that these factors are an increase in the amount of leisure time, ability to take breaks more often, more comfortable learning environment, no need to spend time on the road to the university).

Current literature does not provide exhaustive information about leadership as part of teaching and learning. The distance learning format creates a platform for developing leadership skills. However, this form of education is often confused with the denial of the importance of education and the ideas of "unschooling", which leads to a negative attitude in society towards extramural forms of study. This study demonstrates the value of distance learning in the education system, and describes specific leadership skills that can be improved through distance learning. The study disproves unconfirmed judgments and clichés about detachment, loneliness, and the degradation of communicative competencies among distance learning students. The study as well outlines the impact of extramural forms of study on the development of inclusiveness and tolerance for self-expression in educational classes. Thus, it has been proven that distance learning has a positive influence on skills development.

In the context of globalization, cross-cultural competence plays a significant role in professional development. This study performs a survey among 650 university students in the area of linguistics. The survey reveals that students understand the importance of cross-cultural competence and that it is developable though online programs. However, they are not always ready to develop cross-cultural competence using formal solutions. To solve this problem, several options are suggested like (1) changing the strategy and methods for improving cross-cultural competence; (2) offering additional sources of information on cross-cultural topics; (3) creating online forums for communication with international students; (4) raising interest in online conferences; and (5) designing in-house programs for the online development of cross-cultural competencies.

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