gte3 chapter 5
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GTE3 Chapter 5TRANSCRIPT
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208 Abroad appeal
211 British Institute of Technology and E-commerce
212 Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University
214 Karel de Grote University College
216 Logos European College
218 Manchester School of Art at Manchester
Metropolitan University
220 NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences
222 Samara State Technical University
224 Singidunum University
226 Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
228 Universidad Internacional Menndez Pelayo
230 University of Economics in Bratislava
232 University of Lleida
234 University of Milano-Bicocca
236 University of Pisa
238 University of Valladolid
240 Windesheim Honours College
Chapter 5
Higher education, Europe
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Higher education enables individuals to fulfil their academic potential, develop their abilities and enhance their future prospects. Indeed, Europes universities, colleges and institutes are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, as this chapter goes to show
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Abroad appealUK bUsinesses are hoping that a new government
initiative and increased fUnding from the eU will
prompt more UK stUdents to stUdy overseas
almost half a million international students study
at british universities. attracted by the institutions
global profile and the UKs multicultural, english-
speaking society, they ensure that the worlds
80th largest country hosts more overseas students
than any other, bar the Usa.
yet, for every 15 undergraduates or graduates
who visit from abroad, only one british student heads
in the opposite direction. while this imbalance is
partly down to britains status as a prestigious study
destination, the fact remains that comparatively
few people from the UK consider studying abroad.
countries such as france, germany and spain
have many more students who go abroad than we
do, says tim sowula from the british council. but in
a globalised world, more british students should take
advantage of international opportunities, too, because
spending time working or studying abroad can boost
their employability. in fact, the global skills gap
report in 2011 found that there were more employers
in the UK who considered knowledge and awareness
of the wider world important than employers who
focused on degree results.
Cultural awareness
the findings of this report, published by the british
council and the charity think global, are alarming
when considered alongside those of the 2013 cbi/
pearson education and skills survey changing the
pace. in the latter, 47 per cent of employers in the UK expressed
dissatisfaction with graduates international cultural awareness
and 55 per cent with their foreign language skills.
to address these issues, the british government launched its
UK outward student mobility strategy in July 2013. delivered in
collaboration with universities, the british council and other partners,
this programme aims to encourage british students to study or
do work placements abroad by promoting the related benefits
and offering easily accessible resources with relevant information,
including details about the financial assistance they are entitled to.
the UK outward student mobility strategy was launched in
response to a growing awareness from british businesses that our
next generations need to have international experience in order
for the UK to continue to succeed in a global economy, says tim.
studying or working abroad is a great way to gain that international
experience because living overseas can present challenges and
help develop skills that you wouldnt necessarily acquire while
living in the UK.
Student concerns
among the biggest concerns british students have about studying
overseas are the costs involved and not being able to communicate
in non-english-speaking countries. however, many international
universities teach in english, while stints abroad obviously serve
to break down those daunting language barriers. and a vast range
of funding options ensures that studying overseas can actually be
cheaper than being at university in the UK.
Unfortunately, however, many british students dont know about
the eU funds that are available to them for study or work placements
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abroad, and so the UK currently lags behind spain, france, germany,
italy and poland in terms of accessing them. this lack of awareness
ultimately holds our students back, says tim.
in fact, eU funding for international student mobility went up by
40 per cent in January 2014, when erasmus+ replaced the existing
funding programmes in the areas of education, training, youth
and sport. running until 2020, it boasts a budget of 14.7 billion to
provide over four million europeans with even more opportunities
to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad, in the
eU and beyond.
two thirds of these funds will be directly available to more
than two million higher education students, 650,000 vocational
students and apprentices, half a million young volunteers and
800,000 teachers and other education staff. the rest of the money
will serve to support partnerships between educational institutions,
youth organisations, businesses, local and regional authorities, and
ngos, as well as initiatives to improve education and to promote
innovation, entrepreneurship and employability.
Improved prospects
this large financial commitment from the eU will help young people
gain a better understanding of other societies and the role their own
country plays at a global level. in turn, they will also find it easier to
get a job upon completing their education because their knowledge
of foreign languages and first-hand experience of the wider world
will be useful to businesses that operate internationally.
erasmus+ is a great way to acquire new skills and improve
academic understanding, tim sums up. in addition, it enables
students to learn about a new country and culture, make friends
and potentially save money compared to staying in the UK. in other
words, it is vital to take this opportunity seriously to ensure you get
what you want out of the experience.
Living overseas can help develop skills that you wouldnt acquire while living in the UK
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www.bite.ac.uk 211
Business intelligenceIn addItIon to educatIng students from around the world,
the BrItIsh InstItute of technology and e-commerce champIons
those at the forefront of the gloBal economy
technology is driving the expansion of the global economy, creating an ever-
increasing demand for trained and talented individuals in this field. a major player
in delivering this training is the london-based British Institute of technology and
e-commerce (BIte), which provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses
to thousands of students from around the world.
while BIte recognises the importance of in-depth subject knowledge, it is the
application of this knowledge that is the key to individual and institutional success.
therefore, the institute also champions the pioneering work of those people who
inspire others to follow their lead in creating the technologies that will transform
the world.
Championing excellence
through its champion of technology award, in association with rolls-royce,
BIte recognises individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to the
leadership, creativity and dissemination of technological advances for the benefit
of the wider community and economy. In 2013, rob smith of Bae systems was
recognised for his leadership on the eurofighter typhoon.
he follows in the footsteps of the 11th president of India, dr abdul Kalam, lord
sainsbury, the nobel laureate professor Zhores alferov and dr richard noble, director
of the Bloodhound ssc project, which aims to break the world land-speed record.
the all-party parliamentary group for entrepreneurship works with BIte
to recognise the work of visionaries in this sector, awarding the outstanding
Business leadership award for 2013 to remzi gur, chairman of grmen as,
an anglo-turkish conglomerate with interests in textiles, mens apparel and
luxury goods.
globalisation and the opportunities it provides mean that the selection of the
appropriate university programme is key to building employability and transferable
skills, says dr muhammad farmer, ceo of BIte. students and staff can learn from
our previous winners Khalaf ahmad al habtoor, chairman of al habtoor group, and
ratan tata, chairman of tata. our industrial liaison partnerships with rolls-royce,
fujitsu, Bt, Kpmg, Infosys, Barclays, nnl and uKsys also give our undergraduate
and postgraduate programmes realisable added value in the real world.
these partnerships incorporate the world hi-tech forums technology pioneers
programme, engaging high-level delegations from c-level executives and government
representatives to discuss and debate business opportunities. for instance, BIte
has been commissioned by dr ali al-Khouri, director of the emirates Identify
authority, to assist in the development of its strategic biometrics framework.
as such, BIte is more than just an educational provider, says principal
dr James macaskill. we are a catalyst organisation, bringing together talent,
industry and government.
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Degrees of meritAmmosov North-EAstErN FEdErAl UNivErsity iN rUssiA tAkEs
FUll AdvANtAgE oF its UNiqUE sEttiNg to dElivEr A rANgE oF
wEll-rEspEctEd spEciAlist dEgrEE ANd rEsEArch progrAmmEs
one of just nine federal universities in russia,
Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU)
in yakutsk was officially established in April 2010,
although its roots in the former yakutsk state University
stretch back more than 50 years. its student population
comprises more than 25,000 undergraduates and
around 500 postgraduates, spread across 12 institutes
and six faculties.
located on the siberian permafrost, sakha (also
known as yakutia) is the largest administrative area
in the world: it covers 3 million sq km and straddles
three time zones. its culture is rich and diverse,
formed by the traditions and languages of the yakuts
and russians, and the indigenous minorities of the
north the Evens, Evenks, dolgans, chukchi and
yukaghir peoples.
Academic expansion
in 2012, NEFU was ranked first in the country for
quality management by the moscow-based russian
organization for quality, and in the fourth annual
national ranking of 1046 universities by russian news
agency interfax, NEFU climbed 25 places from its
2010 ranking to 35. in 2013/14, NEFU enrolled
students in 27 masters degree programmes across
20 subject areas, says the universitys rector Evgenia
mikhailova, which was a considerable increase
from the 12 courses available the previous year.
For 2014/15, we have introduced a further eight
masters programmes, including several that will be
offered in connection with other federal institutions.
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www.s-vfu.ru/en 213
one significant recent project, involving NEFUs
institute of Foreign languages & regional studies and
the olonkho research institute, was the translation into
English of one of the main epic poems of the sakha
people, Nyurgun Bootur the swift. known collectively
as Olonkho, these epic poems run from 10,000 to
36,000 verses and have been recognised by UNEsco
as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage
of humanity. in december 2013, the complete English
translation of the yakut heroic epos Nyurgun Bootur
the swift was presented for the first time in london.
Unique research environment
NEFUs location makes it of special interest to students
from a range of academic disciplines. the siberian
permafrost, which can measure up to 1370 m in depth
(this world-record-breaking depth was set in 1982;
the average frozen layer is 300400 m deep), is a rich
source of perfectly preserved natural specimens that
date back many thousands of years and provides truly
unique research opportunities.
two of the universitys departments are primarily
engaged in these fields. the institute of Applied
Ecology of the North explores the technological and
human impact on the environment, and the institute
of Natural sciences examines the dynamics of
permafrost landscapes, lakes, biological resources,
forest and grassland ecosystems. And, thanks to
Increasing access to technology, improving quality of life, and the preservation and development of cultures in Russias north are key priorities for NEFU
funding from russias ministry of Education and
science, these departments will be joined by a new
laboratory for hydrometeorology, climatology and
atmosphere studies.
NEFUs unique geopolitical position has shaped
its approach to international cooperation, and the
university has established successful partnerships
with universities in the republic of korea, Japan,
china, the UsA, canada, Finland, sweden, Norway
and iceland. it also enjoys close relationships with
institutions in the Uk, germany, France, poland,
switzerland and the commonwealth of independent
states. in addition, NEFU has significantly increased its
international population over recent years: students
from 22 countries enrolled for the 2013/14 academic
year, alongside students from 33 regions within the
russian Federation.
looking to the future, the NEFU development
programme a strategic plan that runs up to 2020
identified key areas in which NEFU can be a major
contributor to the modernisation and technological
development of the region. increasing access
to technology, improving quality of life, and the
preservation and development of cultures in russias
north are key priorities for NEFU, Evgenia says.
And, alongside the government of the republic
of sakha, we will continue to develop the scientific,
technological and innovational capacity of the region.
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www.kdg.be 215
Designed for allat Karel de Grote University ColleGe in BelGiUm, stUdents
help shape the CoUrses they attend in a proCess that reaps
rewards for individUals and institUtion aliKe
in keeping with the academically ambitious and socially conscious
environment that it provides for its students, Karel de Grote
University College (KdG) in antwerp, Belgium, isnt afraid to think
big. education is essential for a peaceful and prosperous world,
says werner Boumans, lecturer and Coordinator of international
relations in Business management. our staff enjoy challenging
and supporting the students on their path to becoming intelligent
and democratic citizens. from my point of view, that also means
coaching students to develop viable business projects.
founded in 1995, KdG is an amalgamation of 13 Catholic
university colleges in antwerp. the founders needed a name to
reflect the diversity, as well as the unity, of the project, says veerle
hendrickx, director of education and student policy. so they chose
the name of Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, the historical figure
who founded a european empire that unified peoples, languages,
cultures and socio-economic systems. to this day, its a principle that
provides inspiration and cultural bedrock for the university college.
since 1995, the university college has doubled in size, and
today it serves around 11,000 students. KdG offers bachelors and
masters programmes in six study areas industrial engineering
and technology, Commercial sciences and Business management,
teacher education, art and design, applied social studies, and
healthcare. we deliver a designed-for-all education across our
curricula, says veerle. were student-centred, innovative, results-
oriented and committed to creating a better world.
Meeting student needs
these values are evident in the university colleges emphasis on social
service, student participation and pastoral guidance. Karel de Grote
University College has the feel of a big family with students at its
centre, says ludo vandael, lecturer and Coordinator of international
relations in teacher education. were constantly adapting our courses
and methods to meet student needs. we listen to our student council,
and each year gather feedback through a digital questionnaire. student feedback
is the driving force behind our ongoing improvement.
Change and adaptation have also fed into the organisational culture of
KdG. ive worked at this university college since it was founded, and its always
been a dynamic and exciting environment, says werner. we began by merging
institutions, and that led to a culture of innovation and quality improvement.
weve built cooperative teams of lecturers, created new study programmes and
developed relationships with prominent international institutions. the university
college also encourages staff to participate in international projects and ensure that
courses are attuned to global trends. this, in turn, enhances student international
mobility one of the KdGs main goals.
Mutual development
defined as a Christian Knowledge organisation, KdG provides a moral framework
in which students and staff experience mutual development. we created this
institution by amalgamating Catholic university colleges, and our central values
are still inspired by Christianity, says veerle. nevertheless, were open to other
philosophies. its essential that we offer sustainable development for our students,
employees and society.
teamwork allows students and staff to acquire knowledge, skills, insights and
attitudes that are useful in both professional and societal contexts, she continues.
one such vital competence we promote in all our staff is the ability to help those
students who, due to circumstance, cant fully develop their talents.
reassuringly, the university colleges commitment to principles, innovation
and communication is also present in its alumni. our style of education relies on
a close dynamic between staff and students, says ludo. we also maintain a close
relationship with former students through our alumni organisation, Kd Gold,
werner adds. every year it organises a festival for our alumni, who are impressive
people. theyre energetic, driven, hardworking and creative in solving problems.
they are also great ambassadors for KdGs progressive approach to education.
Were constantly adapting our methods. Student feedback is the driving force behind our ongoing improvement
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www.logoseuro.co.uk 217
The college has great communication with students we always maintain contact
of Southampton. With its roots in the USA, Logos European College
offers degree courses that are based on the American system of
Semester Credit Hours (SCH), which allows greater flexibility for
students. They are able to build up their credits at a pace that suits
them. Therefore, if they are studying part-time it does not unduly
interfere with employment or family life. This system is also suited
to the institutions many home-based students who may study
from locations across the UK.
Each assignment is worth three SCH, and all students whether
they are distance learners or based on-site are expected to take
notes of the monthly live lecture for assessments. The college
has great communication with students, says Dr Carr. The live
lecture is recorded, and we always maintain contact, whether that
is via email, phone, Skype or by post. The college has also further
expanded with the opening of a campus in Eastern Europe for
Hungarian-speaking students.
Community ties
With a focus on development, Dr Carr is a Senior Pastor of Cornerstone
Full Gospel Church of Dalgety Bay, and both the church and the
college have strong ties with the local community. The facilities at
the college are used to help people from the community, whether
that concerns training or running a local youth club.
Dr Carr is also active in helping to set up Bible colleges modelled
on Logos European College, both nationally and internationally.
Our belief is that a very powerful and flexible tool for training and
the preparation of ministers and their assistants in the wider church
has been developed and is worthy of consideration to cover a wider
outlet than is presently being occupied.
Logos European College combines a stunning location with
academic excellence. In 1994, US evangelists visiting the UK
established a pioneering college in Fife that would teach courses
in Christian education. This new institution was the Scottish-based
Extension Campus of the Logos Christian College in Jacksonville,
Florida, and was founded in partnership with Cornerstone Full
Gospel Church of Dalgety Bay, Fife the first local church in
Scotland to offer training to degree level, preparing people
for church-based ministry and wider Christian services.
The college was originally built on the premise that people
shouldnt have to give up work and family commitments, as well
as connections to their local church, in order to gain a degree.
Following a change in Floridas legislation when arts nomenclature
degrees were discontinued in the state, Logos European College
became an affiliate of the Southern Bible Institute and Seminary in
Georgia, which now issues its degrees with the arts nomenclature.
Thought-provoking study
We offer qualifications from bachelors and masters degrees
through to PhDs in theology and in leadership training based
mainly on biblical studies, says college Principal Dr Geoff Carr.
The courses are intended for ecclesiastical purposes rather
than professional or secular ones, and the college provides a
Bible-based stance that may vary from other theological colleges.
Each applicant is assessed individually and offered a suggested
study programme. Those wishing to study for a postgraduate
qualification must have at least a bachelors degree to enter;
a suggested study programme takes into account the prior
learning of the individual.
The degrees on offer have been acknowledged by the
British education system and have been accepted as suitable
entry qualifications to study teacher training at the University
Faith in educationWITH rOOTS In THE USA AnD STUDEnTS BASED ACrOSS
THE UK AnD BEyOnD, LOGOS EUrOPEAn COLLEGE In FIFE
OFFErS A TrULy InTErnATIOnAL CHrISTIAn EDUCATIOn
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www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk 219
The art of success
Since launching in 1838 with the aim of supporting the
creative economy of the region, Manchester School
of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University has been
at the forefront of Britains creative scene. Today, its
talented students have access to an incredible array
of facilities, along with one of the countrys key arts
and cultural scenes right on their doorstep.
Ongoing transformation
The school has always evolved from its origins as
part of the citys thriving textile industry, via the key role
it played in the Arts and Crafts Movement, through to
its current incarnation. Its an ongoing transformation
that continues thanks in no small measure to a recent
34 million of investment, along with the wide variety
of courses from traditional art and design to cutting-
edge technologies that it now offers.
A number of things make us stand out, from
our impressive new School of Art building to the
expertise, knowledge and commitment of our staff,
and the award-winning work of our students across
various disciplines, says Professor David Crow, Dean
of Manchester School of Art.
Its a success story that has stood the test of time,
with the school celebrating its 175th anniversary in
2013. To mark this milestone, 175 international events
were hosted across Britain and Europe, as well as
in China and the USA, to showcase the talent and
creativity of the schools students, staff and alumni.
More than 50 courses are on offer at Manchester
School of Art, at both undergraduate and postgraduate
levels, and disciplines range from architecture and
acting to fashion and filmmaking. As a result, the
school also boasts an equally eclectic mix of traditional
and state-of-the-art facilities.
We have a lot of equipment that isnt typical of
other institutions in the sector, says Professor Crow.
This includes the glass workshops with hot-glass
facilities, traditional embroidery workshops, in-house
bookbinding and letterpress facilities, 3D printers, laser
cutters, traditional and digital screen-printing facilities,
and traditional and digital looms.
Collaborative spirit
Specific pieces of equipment arent exclusive to any
one course a policy that encourages a spirit of
collaboration that resonates throughout the school
and beyond to more than 100 businesses across the
region. Collaborative working is an inherent part of
what we do, explains Professor Crow. We believe
an art school to be a community and a laboratory.
The schools striking new building is designed
to further encourage interaction, thanks to features
such as the Village Green, a communal space
that spans four floors. Its kitted out with portable
furniture, extendable power sockets, and mobile
display boards and work surfaces, says Professor
Crow. Its a flexible space that gives students the
freedom to create, move and grow.
Our students have the opportunity to collaborate
with their peers from other disciplines on a daily basis,
he continues. For example, fashion, embroidery and
textiles students work with photography students on
the lookbooks and press shots for their collections.
And all undergraduates are involved in the schools
Unit X module. This unique 10-week project is
embedded into the curriculum, assessed and credit
rated. A typical project group could consist of students
from photography, fashion, graphic design, fine art
and film studies. They work together, drawing upon
their varying skills and experience to network with
the local arts industry and deliver a creative project.
With around 3,500 students following in the
footsteps of notable alumni such as L S Lowry, graphic
designer Peter Saville and London 2012 Olympic
cauldron designer Thomas Heatherwick, Manchester
School of Art is one of the largest providers of art and
design courses in Britain. And just as its new building
sits alongside the original 19th-century art school,
the faculty prides itself on combining the best of the
modern and the traditional.
A number of things make us stand out, from our impressive new School of Art building to the expertise, knowledge and commitment of our staff
MAnCHESTEr SCHOOL OF ArT AT MAnCHESTEr METrOPOLITAn UnIVErSITy
WAS FOUnDED MOrE THAn 175 yEArS AGO BUT, WITH ITS nEW FACILITIES AnD
COLLABOrATIVE APPrOACH, IT IS A THOrOUGHLy 21ST-CEnTUry InSTITUTIOn
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Game changerOffering cOurses that range frOm tOurism and leisure tO games and
media, nhtV Breda uniVersity Of applied sciences has grOwn tO BecOme
One Of the netherlands mOst innOVatiVe centres Of learning
from its roots as a small institute offering management programmes
in tourism and leisure, nhtV Breda university of applied sciences in
the netherlands has become a leader in its field. it delivers bachelors,
masters and research programmes in areas such as tourism and
leisure, games and media, and logistics, and nearly all of its courses
consistently gain top place in national rankings. in addition, nhtV
Breda was rated first overall among the countrys small applied
science universities in 2013.
these rankings, compiled by Elsevier a dutch weekly whose
coverage includes economics, politics, finance, science and
culture also show that students at the university have above-
average enthusiasm for their courses. all nhtV Breda programmes
have a score above the mean in their field (many score first place),
and many benefit from international accreditation from the un world
tourism Organization and the world leisure Organization, which
serves to underline the quality of education found at the university.
International placements
located in the dutch town of Breda, only 100 km away from both
amsterdam and Brussels, nhtV Breda has always had a strong
international focus. Of its 7,000 students, almost 15 per cent are
from overseas, representing more than 50 countries. courses taught
in english are the norm rather than the exception, and students are
encouraged to complete work placements abroad or at companies
with an international presence. nhtV Breda has links with, for
instance, the hilton group and sony and, as part of the students
preparation for their placements, all study programmes include
focus areas that are vital to their relevant industry.
One of these is cross-cultural understanding. we teach
students that people have different value systems and different
cultural expectations, explains hein van Oorschot, president of
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www.nhtv.nl 221
the executive Board. you have to understand those differences
if you want to be able to act in an international environment.
Sound ethics
another thread that runs through all courses is social responsibility.
we place great emphasis on personal responsibility, says hein.
students should be aware of which products they use and who
made them. Because, perhaps more than anywhere else, in the
tourism and games industries you will be confronted by customers
if you do not have sound business ethics.
further evidence of the universitys innovative approach is its
executive masters in imagineering, which focuses on a method of
problem-solving that is becoming more and more popular in the
netherlands. it encourages students not only to think about what
they have learned, but to find solutions by concentrating purely on
the needs of the customer, explains hein. this enables them to
look at their industry in different ways, and within a few weeks
they often come up with new concepts.
nhtV Breda also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and
runs a specialised course for students who show creative business flair.
they are put into contact with organisations that support start-ups and,
as a result, several such students start their own companies every year.
these initiatives have made the university tremendously popular.
its game and media programme, for instance, recently attracted
three times as many applicants as there were places. however, the
university is keen not to become too big.
many people who come into our school are surprised by how
accessible the staff are to our students, explains hein. But we believe
in encouraging strong interaction between the two. that is part of
our success because it means that our students remain motivated
and challenged at all times.
We teach students that people have different value systems and different cultural expectations
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Technical brillianceRussias samaRa state technical univeRsity is a dynamic centRe
of ReseaRch and education whose scientific innovations aRe
in demand acRoss the woRld
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http://en.samgtu.ru 223
the year 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of samara state technical university
(samstu), making it one of the oldest universities in the volga region of south-west
Russia. samara lies at the confluence of the volga and samara rivers. the city is an
industrial hub, which makes the university perfectly placed to work with industry on
research projects.
samstu has around 19,000 students and offers more than 80 degree
programmes across 11 faculties. a renowned science and technology park,
samstu has more than 70 scientific departments and carries out important applied
and fundamental research in the fields of environmental protection, chemistry and
chemical engineering. indeed, the university has earned a prestigious reputation
thanks to its expertise and links with industry.
the samara state technical university is a dynamic research and educational
centre with modern scientific and social infrastructure, and significant human and
scientific potential to influence the development of high-tech industries in the region
and in Russia as a whole, says Professor dmitry Bykov, the universitys Rector.
today, samstu conducts research at an international level, and the results are
in high demand by both domestic and foreign companies and organisations.
Industry-oriented research
an example of this is the universitys most important environmental protection
research, which focuses on the creation of new and effective systems for the
processing of waste. since 1984, it has developed more than 30 waste-processing
technologies. many of these have been put into practice, such as the technology
of bioremediation, which uses an organisms metabolism to remove waste, and has
been used to clear more than 2 million sq m of oil-polluted farmland. the university
has also developed a new method for the sterilisation of oil slurries, leading to a
positive evaluation in the federal environmental impact assessment.
the creation of new medication is also a priority for the university, which
performs research in the field in conjunction with leading global pharmaceutical
companies novartis, Bayer aG and Gedeon Richter. so far, five antiviral drugs
designed to treat poxviruses have been commercially produced as a direct result
of samstus research.
improving the quality of motor fuels and increasing the depth
of oil processing are also important areas of research. these are
priority tasks for the whole of the Russian federation, which is keen to
reduce the emissions from road transport that lead to poor air quality
and public health problems. in the field of petrochemicals, samstu
has also developed a new catalyst that processes hydrocarbon raw
materials in cars, ensuring they meet the new minimum standards
set by the eu with regard to pollutant emissions from diesel and
petrol cars.
the universitys chemical engineering research faculty, meanwhile,
has developed and produced nano-structured coatings for industrial
equipment that are now supplied to over 35 countries and widely used
in areas such as drilling and construction.
Technical library
as you might expect, with such an emphasis on scientific research,
the university has one of the largest technical libraries in the volga
region. it is home to more than one and a half million volumes, plus
a wide range of periodicals, and provides students with access to an
ever-growing number of electronic databases and resources, along
with more than 100 computer workstations.
the university doesnt only offer academic prowess, however.
the home of writers leo tolstoy and maxim Gorky, and the composer
dmitri shostakovich, samara also has a rich cultural life. the city
boasts a ballet company, an opera house, numerous museums and
art galleries, a concert hall and no fewer than five theatres.
in all, studying at samstu represents an unparalleled opportunity
to acquire expertise in cutting-edge areas of technology in a setting
that is truly stimulating.
SamSTU conducts research at an international level, and the results are in high demand
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Established in 1999, Singidunum University in Belgrade
is a relatively young institution, but it has already
established an impressive academic reputation in
Serbia and beyond. Founded by renowned professors
who wanted to create an institution that reflected
Serbias economic growth and offered globally relevant
higher education, it is the countrys best-known private
university to award bachelors, masters and doctorate
degrees in social sciences, technical sciences, natural
sciences and mathematics.
The university now comprises nine faculties
offering finance, information technology, tourism
and hospitality, engineering, economics, media
and communications, legal studies, political studies
and ecology to some 12,000 students.
Modern mindset
Students at Singidunum have access to an enviable
range of modern facilities. At the end of 2012, a new
6,000 sq m university building was opened, which
includes state-of-the-art information technology,
internet infrastructure and audiovisual equipment.
Since the universitys inception, international
cooperation has been high on its agenda, and
the ongoing promotion of this is one of its most
important strategic goals for the future. Its four-year
Finance and Banking bachelors degree is conducted
entirely in English in cooperation with Lincoln
University in Oakland, California. Singidunum
and Lincoln have also joined forces to run a joint
Financial Management and Investment Banking
MBA programme. Based at Singidunums campus,
classes are held in English and mostly given by
professors from Lincoln University. The masters
in Business Systems in Tourism and Hospitality,
accredited by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization and run in collaboration with some
of the most prominent European universities, is
also conducted in English.
During their studies at the university, students
learn at least two foreign languages, with English
mandatory for all undergraduates. English is also
one of the prerequisites for enrolling in any of the
masters or PhD programmes.
Singidunum University is putting a lot of effort
into the realisation of bachelors, masters and PhD
study programmes that are conducted entirely in
English and intended for foreign students, explains
Professor Slobodan Unkovi, the universitys Director
of International Cooperation. In addition, the
university aims to enhance its collaboration with
well-known cultural institutions, such as the British
Council, the Cervantes Institute and the Goethe
Institute, as they play a huge role in enabling our
teaching staff and students to improve their current
knowledge of foreign languages.
The university also actively participates in
TEMPUS the European Unions programme to
support the modernisation of higher education
Beyond bordersSINGIDUNUM UNIvErSITy IN SErBIA OFFErS ITS STUDENTS A COMPETITIvE
INTErNATIONAL APPrOACH THAT INCLUDES jOINT ENGLISH-LANGUAGE
PrOGrAMMES WITH PrOMINENT OvErSEAS UNIvErSITIES
in the EUs surrounding area and other relevant
scientific projects, and it fosters university exchange
programmes for teaching staff and students.
Professional internships
Apart from the academic knowledge and skills
acquired through traditional teaching methods,
students also gain hands-on experience by taking
on professional internships usually lasting six to
nine months throughout their undergraduate
studies. Singidunum has connections with more
than 550 companies in various fields, including
domestic and foreign banks, and international hotel
corporations, as well as companies in the industrial
and agricultural sectors.
Students develop the relevant knowledge
and business skills necessary to participate in the
world knowledge market on an equal footing,
says Professor Unkovi. Even though Singidunum
University is a relatively young academic institution,
it has succeeded in presenting itself as an innovative
and vibrant institution with great aspirations and
outstanding potential.
And with its high-quality education, modern
teaching methods, emphasis on internationalisation
and strong collaboration with industry and other
academic institutions, it is already delivering on
that potential.
Students develop the relevant knowledge and business skills necessary to participate in the world knowledge market on an equal footing
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Worldly wisein its pursuit of truth, universidad francisco de vitoria
in spain delivers an education that embraces both academic
ability and an awareness of lifes broader challenges
established in 1993 as a not-for-profit institution, universidad francisco de vitoria
(ufv) is located 10 miles northwest of madrid, spain. fully accredited as a private
university in 2001, it was named after a 16th-century scholar widely considered to
be one of the founding fathers of modern international law. a catholic university
that strives for the pursuit of truth, ufv has around 3,500 undergraduate
students enrolled in more than 20 degree programmes.
as a university, the focus of our work is our students. we strive to educate
them in such a way that they can transform society, says dr Juan perez-miranda,
vice-rector of international relations. for us, excellence translates as a
comprehensive education, encompassing all aspects of life and following
an academic model that integrates knowledge, skills, attitudes, professional
criteria and human values.
Progressive programmes
two programmes that embody this approach are delivered by ufvs business and
medical faculties, respectively. responding to an increasing need for business
leaders who are able to take organisational control at a global level, the university
has created an integral leadership programme. this comprises a double degree
in business administration and law, which also incorporates a postgraduate
certificate programme at the university of notre dame in the usa. the purpose
of this programme is to train future leaders in both the business world and in legal
practice, explains Juan, with the expectation that they will transform the society
they work in.
integral leadership takes place over a five-year period, helping students to
develop the leadership, emotional intelligence and creative skills that are needed
to succeed in todays business world. in the course of their studies, students gain
first-hand experience of the art and science of leadership, Juan says. once a year
they will travel to a foreign destination to explore the business and cultural roots
of that market, and its impact on the world economy. students also benefit from
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mentored guidance with the aim of helping them to become powerful influences
in whatever organisations they progress to. through its cooperation with the
university of notre dame, ufv has embedded a global view of the business
and legal professions in the heart of its academic programme.
Modern role
ufvs approach to its medical curriculum also reflects a keen understanding of
the role of the modern university. in traditional medical schools, students are not
exposed to patients until the final courses of the curriculum, Juan says. the result
is that they develop a fragmented view of medicine, making it more difficult for
future doctors to develop a person-centred practice that combines both the
scientific and humanist aspects of the medical profession.
responding to social and professional demands, ufv has developed a new
six-year medical degree programme. this is designed to cover not only the
intensive transmission of theoretical knowledge basic and clinical but also
to give students the chance to interact with patients so as to improve their
social and communication skills.
launched in 2010/11, ufvs early clinical experience programme (ece) for
first-year medical students has been created to raise awareness of the relational
and communicative needs of clinical practice. it does this by exposing students
to real medical situations with personal and emotional content. the programme
is the first step on a complete ece pathway that allows students to progressively
increase their responsibilities through a range of teaching methods.
with its groundbreaking approach to teaching and the study of business
and medicine, in particular the universidad francisco de vitoria is helping to
develop spains education system of the future.
In the course of their studies, students gain first-hand experience of the art and science of leadership
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Fluent deliveryuniversidad internacional Menndez Pelayo in sPain Provides
students froM around the world with the ideal environMent
in which to hone their language skills
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spread over 12 different locations across spain, from santander in the north to
granada in the south, universidad internacional Menndez Pelayo (uiMP) offers
an array of degrees throughout the academic year. however, as spains leading
institution for the teaching of spanish language and culture to foreign students,
its the universitys summer courses that have earned it a reputation that reaches
far beyond its national borders. taught at its santander campus, the combination
of outstanding teaching, impressive facilities and stunning location attracts more
than 5,000 overseas students each summer.
our spanish language and culture courses include a formal academic training
of excellent quality, says Montaa cmara hurtado, director of Programmes
for international students. an integrated approach focusing on linguistic and
sociocultural aspects is used to teach four skills: listening comprehension, reading
comprehension, oral expression and written expression. we also put great effort
into promoting interaction between teachers and students.
Cultural immersion
in conjunction with its annual summer programme, the university offers a host
of cultural highlights. indeed, thanks to uiMP, santander is transformed into a
world-class city of culture for a few months each year. we usually have some
nobel laureates among us, says Montaa, and in the past, weve hosted writers
such as octavio Paz, Mario vargas llosa and susan sontag.
a series of concerts, theatre productions, poetry readings and exhibitions
is presented throughout the summer, all of which are free for students to attend.
further activities for international students include a conversation exchange
programme, known as hablamos, or lets talk, which brings together scholars
from the official language school, uiMP spanish-course students and those
enrolled on uiMPs translation and interpreting programmes. in addition,
spaniards of all ages can practise their foreign language skills in a relaxed
atmosphere at the universitys language caf. uiMP also helps overseas students
to get to know the real spain by equipping them with information about the
most interesting things to see and do.
uiMPs international students, who come from every corner of the world,
are accommodated on campus, or in residences and with families across the
city. no matter where they stay, however, they all benefit from the facilities
of the universitys campus de las llamas, which include a library geared towards
foreign students, a video library with spanish films and documentaries, and a
language lab.
Range of courses
the universitys summer courses tell only part of the story, however. in 2012,
more than 15,000 spanish students enrolled in uiMPs english-language immersion
programme in one of its various locations. it also delivers masters and doctoral
degrees, such as an Ma in spanish as a foreign language presented in collaboration
with the cervantes institute. all courses are compatible with the university credit
systems of the usa and the ects (european credit transfer and accumulation
system), and the university is also accredited to administer dele (diplomas in
spanish as a second language).
in addition to its summer school and degree-level language and culture
courses, uiMP offers a selection of targeted, practical spanish programmes.
these include spanish for international experts, training courses for teachers
of spanish as a foreign language, and training for translators and interpreters.
given the importance of the spanish language for politicians and decision-
makers, uiMPs course on spanish for international experts is invaluable, says
Montaa. within our courses of spanish for specific purposes, we also focus
on the language requirements of professionals such as physicians, lawyers,
economists and scientists.
there are also plans afoot to design specific courses for university groups,
and to explore the needs of British students in particular a move that should
prove popular, considering the uptake of spanish as a second language in British
schools. in fact, whether a student is seeking to earn professional qualifications
or polish their language skills for the summer, uiMP provides an ideal, and fully
immersive, environment like no other.
We usually have some Nobel Laureates among us weve hosted Octavio Paz, Mario Vargas Llosa and Susan Sontag
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230
Talking businessThe UniversiTy of economics in BraTislava recognises
ThaT langUage skills are a Top prioriTy when forging
a sUccessfUl career in The world of BUsiness
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located at the heart of europe, the University of economics in Bratislava (UeB)
is forging a reputation as one of the continents most forward-thinking centres
for business, economics and management education. a modern, thriving city,
Bratislava is the capital of slovakia, a landlocked country at the geographical centre
of europe. it was declared a sovereign state in 1993, and has been home to UeB
since the institution began life in 1940, initially as the higher school of commerce.
Language skills
The university places a strong emphasis on the linguistic preparation of its
students, ensuring they can communicate effectively in the business language
of the 21st-century english. The linguistic diversity at the UeB is very important
in enabling slovak students to use languages for work or study, says vice
rector for international relations, associate professor dr Jana lenghardtov.
Two foreign languages are compulsory for all students and at the international
relations faculty its three.
UeB offers a number of courses taught in foreign languages the majority
in english. These include two bachelors programmes: intercultural communication
and foreign languages, delivered in english-german, english-french or english-
spanish; and management of enterprise, delivered in english. it also offers three
masters double-degree programmes: international management, taught in english,
which enables students to obtain a double degree from the University of strasbourg;
international finance management, delivered in german in cooperation with the
University of halle; and management of sales, delivered in french with the University
of grenoble. in addition, it offers dual-degree programmes in conjunction with
nottingham Trent University.
UeB offers 69 bachelors, masters and doctoral study programmes across its
seven faculties: national economy; commerce and trade; business management;
economic informatics; international relations; business economics; and applied
languages. in all, the university has around 12,000 students and 700 faculty staff.
one of UeBs fundamental aims is to cooperate with universities, businesses
and other organisations around the world. This policy was the catalyst behind
the universitys decision to pinpoint three target areas to further its international
The linguistic diversity at the UEB is very important in enabling Slovak students to use languages for work or study
standing. These comprise the internationalisation of education, science and
research; the development of relations with industry, both locally and globally;
and improvement across all the universitys areas of activity.
we achieve internationalisation primarily through our participation in the
erasmus programme, says professor lenghardtov. erasmus is the eUs flagship
education and training programme, which enables some 200,000 students to study
and work abroad every year. it also funds cooperation between higher education
institutions across europe. we have partnerships with 240 universities, and we are
proud to have been included in the european commissions publication Erasmus
Success Stories in 2009 and 2010, she adds. in 2012, we were awarded the
prestigious Quality of erasmus mobility label at national level, and were looking
forward to participating in the new erasmus+ programme in the near future.
International connections
preparing students for the domestic and international labour market is also high
on the universitys list of priorities, and it has projects specifically aimed at achieving
these goals. working with ohio state University, UeBs global consulting programme
brings american and slovak students together to work on assignments in marketing
and management for global players such as dell and google.
meanwhile, the knowledge Triangle project, based on the triumvirate of
education, research and innovation, is aimed at fostering international cooperation
between european universities and those from latin america. UeB students
can also combine their study periods abroad at partner university instituto
Tecnolgico de monterrey in mexico. This initiative supports applied research
aimed at supporting international projects for slovak businesses and institutions
with their mexican counterparts.
UeBs rector, professor rudolf sivk, is firmly behind these global initiatives.
our students are excited about the experience of working on projects for
businesses, and about meeting new friends from around the world, he observes.
we are also proud that students from europe, the americas and further afield
are equally excited about discovering slovakia. Thanks to its international outlook,
the UeB looks well set to produce a new generation of global business leaders.
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Fruitful researchThe escola Tcnica superior denginyeria agrria, parT
of caTalonias universiTy of lleida, is leading The field
in farming, food and foresTry educaTion
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having recently celebrated 40 years as one of catalonias leading centres of
learning for agriculture, farming, food and forestry, the escola Tcnica superior
denginyeria agrria (eTsea) is also recognised as one of the best in spain.
located on a 12.5-hectare campus at the north-western edge of the city
of lleida, eTsea was founded in 1972 originally as part of the polytechnic
university of Barcelona and was integrated into the university of lleida in
1991. dedicated to quality training and research, eTsea also places a strong
emphasis on sharing its findings as its on-campus research and technology-
transfer centres go to show.
Sharing expertise
in catalonia, much of the economy revolves around Barcelona, says dr astrid
Ballesta, vice-president for international relations and cooperation. But lleida
is really an agricultural area, and over the 40 years since it was established, eTsea
has made a significant contribution to improvements in agriculture by training
generations of agronomists and managers. The faculty provides farmers with
a valuable source of information, and the expertise produced by eTsea is
disseminated throughout the region.
eTsea has 160 teaching staff across seven departments, 1,700 undergraduate
and postgraduate students, and 95 phd students. The school offers two erasmus
mundus masters degrees in forestry, alongside five Bsc degrees and nine other
masters programmes.
research is very important to us, says dr Ballesta, and we have several
large research groups that produce excellent results. The science citation
index, a database that records the number of times a research paper is cited
by peers, ranks eTsea top in spain in terms of food science and technology
research. and within the field of life sciences, the faculty is ranked number
one among catalonias scientific institutions, and number three among
such institutions in spain.
eTsea boasts 16 consolidated research groups, which have been recognised
by the catalan government, alongside several other emerging groups. Key areas
of current research include crop breeding and biotechnology, crop physiology
and agronomy, animal husbandry, integrated crop protection, and food technology
and safety. The schools research groups have led eight eu projects during the last
three years, and have participated in several more.
from an academic perspective, eTsea is very involved in international
programmes, says dr Ballesta, and at the european level, we are an important
faculty for academic mobility in agriculture, forestry and the other areas in which
eTsea operates.
Invaluable opportunities
dr mara navarro, associate professor at the university of georgias college of
agricultural and environmental sciences, began her career studying agricultural
engineering at eTsea. as an undergraduate at lleida, i was given invaluable
opportunities and exposure, dr navarro says. for example, i presented some of
my work at an international conference, i was sent to a week-long postgraduate
training course on statistical analysis applied to plant breeding, and i had the
opportunity to meet the authors of key papers i was using for my research. i was
immediately very impressed with the mix of academic, applied, project-based
and research focuses that eTseas courses offer, and by the affordability and
college-town atmosphere in lleida itself.
dr navarro, who was awarded the united states department of agriculture
new Teacher award in 2012, acknowledges that it was her professors at eTsea
who taught her what it means to be a good teacher and mentor: i had outstanding
role models and i strive to follow their example, she says. i believe that the
systems in place, the pursuit of depth and breadth of knowledge, and the passion
for people and teaching have all helped me make an impact as an educator
and all that started at lleida.
I was impressed with the mix of academic, applied, project-based and research focuses that ETSEAs courses offer
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New perspectivesfirmly focused on the future, the university of milano-Bicocca
offers students an international outlook and the chance to
launch their own start-ups
when the young Giovanni pirelli established a factory in milan in 1872 to produce his
now famous tyres, little could he have imagined that the same buildings would one
day be transformed into the hub of another centre of innovation: the university of
milano-Bicocca (unimiB). Based on the site since it was founded in 1998, unimiB
is one of italys most dynamic and future-focused universities.
striving to promote a strong relationship between academic excellence
particularly in research and the business world, it has, for instance, teamed up with
influential domestic organisations such as confindustria (the italian entrepreneurial
association) to carry out projects. and beyond lombardy the region that has long
been the focus of italys technical innovation and international investment, with
milan at its heart unimiB has partnerships with around 200 partner universities
in europe and another 200 around the world.
all of these links promote research collaborations and overseas study
placements and exchanges. the mobility of students and faculty staff is a way
of increasing our knowledge of new educational methods, explains professor
dr marialuisa lavitrano, pro rector for international affairs. and it is also one
of the best ways to foster a profitable scientific debate.
Joint programmes
unimiB has established, among other schemes, joint learning programmes for
double honours degrees, doctoral co-tutorships and research collaborations.
its school of medicine, for instance, has strong links with harvard and yale in the usa
and imperial college london, while the school of economics has a long-standing
relationship with the london school of economics and runs a well-established
exchange programme with the prestigious chongqing university in china.
internationalisation has become one of the priorities of milano-Bicoccas
policy, says professor lavitrano. we aim to give as many students as possible
the opportunity to study abroad.
unimiBs 33,000 students of whom 5 per cent are from overseas study in
16 departments across the schools of economics and statistics, law, medicine and
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surgery, and natural sciences. the university offers 29 research-based doctorates,
with state and international funding allowing it to take part in long-term research
projects in areas such as plasma research and artificial intelligence. since unimiB
opened, there has also been an increase in the number of it and language courses
offered. this reflects the fact that the university is constantly working to anticipate
the demands of a complex, changing world, professor lavitrano says.
Preparation for the future
the academic programme at unimiB is strongly geared towards preparing
students for their future careers. this means that internships are a key part of
student life. in fact, every department has specific agreements with, or sponsorship
from, private companies, which offer students a direct route into internships and
work placements.
for those who want to go it alone after graduation, the university operates a
dynamic programme of so-called spin offs. these are start-up companies launched
by graduates with the full support of faculty staff and research fellows. in the last
few years, we have registered an increasing number of start-ups, which is testament
to the enthusiasm and drive of our graduates, says professor lavitrano.
spin offs which are often in the areas of information and communication
technology, energy and the environment are monitored by the university,
whose staff advise graduates on issues such as patents, intellectual property and
the preparation of business presentations. the ventures epitomise how unimiB
combines academic excellence and an international perspective with ties to the
business community. and while todays campus with its airy classrooms, libraries,
open spaces and sports complex may be a world away from pirellis factory floor,
he would have instantly recognised and applauded the universitys commitment
to science, enterprise and future technology.
In the last few years, we have registered an increasing number of start-ups, which is testament to the enthusiasm of our graduates
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236
A towering reputationcombining a legacy of excellence that dates back to the 14th century
and outstanding modern facilities, the university of Pisa is a world-class
institution that sPans the ages
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the university of Pisa (uniPi) has long been recognised
as one of the worlds great academic institutions.
officially established in 1343, it is one of the oldest
universities in the world, although its origins may
stretch back as far as the 11th century. uniPi occupies
a number of historic buildings in the centre of Pisa and
currently has around 56,000 students. and while its
most famous alumnus is the legendary 17th-century
italian astronomer and physicist galileo galilei, the
university maintains a global reputation as a leading
centre of research and learning for natural sciences,
computer science and mathematics.
in fact, the 2013 nobel Prize in Physics, awarded
to Peter higgs and franois englert for proposing
the higgs boson, was also recognition for the efforts
of more than 120 scientists working or educated
at uniPi. this group participated in the high-profile
experiments conducted at the cern laboratory
near geneva to prove the existence of the so-called
god particle.
Cutting-edge research
meanwhile, research undertaken at uniPis centro
e. Piaggio facility has confirmed the universitys
position at the cutting edge of robotics with the
development of face (facial automation for
conveying emotions) a robot that can accurately
reproduce an array of human expressions. of great
potential use in therapies for autistic children, face
can emulate expressions for moods such as fear,
disgust or wonder.
other current uniPi developments include
the establishment of the first italian research
centre on nutraceuticals and healthy eating,
which combines 170 scientists from seven
different university departments.
as part of its internationalisation strategy,
uniPi runs several masters and Phd programmes
in english. aimed at attracting students from
around the world, they offer world-class teaching
and tutoring. the programmes include a Phd in
computer science, an mba and masters degrees
in science in aerospace engineering, business
informatics, computer engineering, computer
science, computer science and networking,
economics, embedded computing systems
and nuclear engineering. in addition, uniPi
offers a range of english-language classes within
its master of arts in history and civilisation.
the university excels in the field of humanities,
as well as that of science, and is running a range of
related english-language summer school courses
from 2014 onwards. subjects on offer include
roman history, humanistic and renaissance
culture, the Jews in the mediterranean area,
and liberalism and fascism.
though world-famous for its leaning tower,
Pisa is also renowned as the city of dante. its no
great surprise, then, that uniPi is an important
When I visit campuses and fairs abroad, I realise that we are perceived as unique in combining world-class research in sciences with top-quality research in humanities
centre for the study of the poets work just one
of the many reasons why it is so highly regarded.
as Professor marco guidi, vice-rector for
communication and international Promotion,
explains: when i visit campuses and fairs abroad
to promote the university of Pisa, i realise that we
are perceived as unique in combining world-class
research in sciences such as physics, computer
science, biology, chemistry and health sciences,
with top-quality research in humanities.
New facilities
this breadth of expertise is underpinned by
significant investment in the universitys modern
infrastructure to complement its beautiful old
buildings. recently, for instance, a number of
new, purpose-built facilities have been built for
students and researchers, including the Polo
Piagge, which comprises a 240-seat conference
hall, a 140-seat study hall and 30 lecture rooms,
which accommodate around 2,000 students.
i am proud to say that our university is second
to none in italy for the quality of services it offers
and for the excellence of its researchers and
degree programmes, says the universitys rector
massimo augello. the perfect latter-day setting,
then, to continue the groundbreaking work that
has distinguished uniPi since the days of galileo.
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Far-sighted focusthe University of valladolid in spain sUccessfUlly makes the
most of its local and national resoUrces while embracing
an ever-expanding global oUtlook
when it comes to location, the University of valladolid (Uva) has much to be
proud of. its campuses are sited in northern spain, while its outlook, student
body and staff are increasingly international and the institution works hard
to embrace both aspects.
the university is spread over the region of castile and lon, but the main
campus the largest of four is in valladolid, which offers a mix of old and
new architecture, a great environment for cycling and excellent shopping.
the other campuses are in palencia, which is smaller but similar in atmosphere
to valladolid, the beautiful city of soria and historic segovia. each of these smaller
sites houses between 2,000 and 2,500 students, and the total number enrolled
at Uva is currently around 25,000. courses at each campus vary, but the university
overall offers 53 undergraduate and 59 masters degrees, with programmes
spanning science, engineering, the humanities, health sciences and social
sciences, as well as spanish as a foreign language.
An international institution
Uvas reputation spreads beyond national borders, however. we have around
1,500 students from abroad, mainly from europe, and strong connections with
south america and asia, too, explains vice rector Jos marbn. one of the
universitys key priorities for 2014 is to become more international. we believe
that internationalisation is crucial for students, teachers and researchers.
nowadays, you cant just apply local insights to solve global problems.
consequently, Uva boasts extensive international connections thanks, in no
small part, to the erasmus programme, which enables higher-education students and
staff to spend time abroad. the university sent 1,000 erasmus students to partner
institutions overseas during 2011/12, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year.
in return, Uva welcomed 850 foreign participants to its own campuses.
due to this diverse student body, an increasing number of topics are being
taught in english, particularly on postgraduate courses. we have also designed some
specific programmes to help students overcome language barriers, Jos explains.
for example, people coming from china can spend six months in our language
centre before they enter our degree programmes, so that by the time they leave
us, they have an excellent degree as well as a good level of spanish. Uvas double
degrees and double masters which combine its courses with those at a university
in another country further promote its global reach.
the institution is keen to learn from such international exchanges. our returning
students provide great feedback, says Jos, and our teachers bring back insights,
too, so our university constantly improves, while our international links become
richer. were developing a culture of global citizenship, and this communication
between teachers, in particular, can be the first step towards international
collaborations on research projects.
Environmentally aware
of course, the local area is important to this historic spanish institution, too, which
is why Uva works hard to support regional communities and the environment.
a good example is the institutions lUcia building for applied research, which
won the sustainable construction of castile and lon award in february 2013.
aiming to become a european benchmark for energy-efficient construction,
lUcia runs on zero emissions, while exporting energy to other buildings on the
campus. then there are the universitys green transport initiatives, such as its free
bike system, which serves the university communities in valladolid, palencia and
segovia. it has also set up a car-sharing programme and efficient-driving courses,
the latter of which teaches students techniques that could reduce their fuel
consumption by as much as 15 per cent.
all of these initiatives demonstrate that Uva is a forward-thinking institution,
committed to developing global citizens while caring for its local environment.
these are the foundations upon which it thrives, both in spain and beyond.
We believe internationalisation is crucial. You cant just apply local insights to solve global problems
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Agents of changeWindesheim honours College in the netherlands offers
the ideal degree for those seeking to taCkle international
projeCts With a foCus on sustainability
anyone who aspires to be an effective international project manager while
contributing to a sustainable world will learn all they need to know at Windesheim
honours College, says dr josephine Woltman elpers, dean of Windesheim
honours College (WhC). a residential college in the historical dutch city of
Zwolle, WhC gives talented and motivated students the chance to study in an
intensive, small-scale, international learning community with other motivated and
engaged students. together they learn how to change the world by connecting
people, profit and the planet.
WhC is part of the Windesheim university of applied sciences one of the
biggest universities of its kind in the netherlands, which has more than 20,000
students on its bachelors degrees or exchange programmes. over 350 of these
students are international, flocking to Windesheim to attend one of the universitys
28 exchange programmes for either a semester or a full academic year. of these,
around 50 overseas students attend WhC for its four-year bachelors degree in
international Change and project management.
International project management
taught entirely in english, this degree is aimed at those seeking an international
career in project management with a focus on sustainability. it has been specifically
developed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to implement
large-scale change in a practical and realistic way.
WhC aims to be the top choice for motivated and gifted students who apply
and combine their talents in a sustainable international educational environment to
become excellent project and change managers, says dr Woltman elpers. in short,
WhC gives global talent the chance to make a global impact.
students on this degree programme can specialise in social entrepreneurship,
health or media and communication, or participate in a number of other
combinations of courses in different project-management fields. all students are
taught and supported by international staff with extensive organisational, practical
and academic experience of project management in countries around the world.
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We believe one size does not fit all, so our curriculum is designed to allow
students to customise their own learning programme, says dr Woltman elpers.
and in september 2014, yet more study combinations and project-management
specialisms will be offered. these include civil society and urban economics.
Dynamic environments
WhC educates its students to address complex issues in challenging and
dynamic environments through field trips, projects and internships. for instance,
two of the universitys students went to addis ababa in ethiopia recently to assist
dires house of sports, an independent sports ngo that encourages people
with disabilities to participate in society through sport. the students undertook
research among relevant businesses, government organisations and other ngos,
as well as the employees of the sports association itself. they looked into the
best practices for social entrepreneurship, and used their research to draft an
advisory report for the ngo on how it could become financially independent
just one example of how the university fosters international collaborations
among students, lecturers, research professors, education programmes and
companies of all sizes.
as well as adding value to the organisations they work for, Windesheim
honours College expects its students to add value to society as a whole.
hence its degree in global Change and project management also focuses
strongly on personal development, sustainable business innovation and global
competence. our graduates are socially skilled, initiative-taking and reflective
professionals who solve global issues and dilemmas from various perspectives
and angles, says dr Woltman elpers.
at WhC, students who want to use their talent to change the world can find all
the skills and motivation they need to contribute to a secure and sustainable future.
as dr Woltman elpers concludes: the companies and organisations that hire them
either as interns or graduates know they will be adding a value-conscious and
competent professional to their team.
We believe one size does not fit all, so our curriculum is designed to allow students to customise their own learning