This article describes the use of speaking club reference models as a method for developing communicative competence in international students, studying Russian as a foreign language. The problem of removing language and psychological barriers, and the absence or the minimum number of authentic communication situations set the task of practical application of communication skills in conversations with native speakers within the framework of a classroom and extracurricular activities. The reference models, which are described in the article, allow the teacher to master the mechanisms of organizing and conducting speaking clubs and the principals of their implementation into the practice of studying Russian as a foreign language by choosing the best option depending on the request of a specific audience. This method helps international students to minimize psychological discomfort in studying Russian, allows them to develop communication skills in conversations with native speakers in situations of authentic communication, as well as to adapt themselves to and socialize in a foreign environment, increases their motivation to learning a foreign language, makes it possible for students to self-reflect, and, as a result, forms the students’ communicative competence within the framework of the communicative approach to learning Russian as a foreign language.