The possibilities of interactive foreign language teaching at a university in the mode of students’ out-of-class independent work have been studied. A generalized model of interactive learning is considered; it is shown that the search method of teaching, supplemented by the interaction of students in the digital environment, involves students in the process of independent acquisition of knowledge, collection and research of information. The organization of search independent work using the project method leads to an increase in students' interest in research activities and an increase in motivation for learning a foreign language. Examples of digital resources for creating the final products of project activities are given, problematic aspects of project-based learning are briefly described. It was revealed that project method, as a practice of learning in collaboration, allows us to effectively follow the principles of an individual-personal approach that contributes to the most complete disclosure of the students’ creative potential. Examples of specific projects implemented at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) and Emperor Alexander I Petersburg State Transport University (PSTU) are given, and the features of their implementation are analyzed. General educational projects for junior students are supplemented by scientific projects of PSTU senior students.