UET takes the second step of internationalization: 3 programs in English
Posted date: 10 Aug 2021
The European University of Tirana starts the academic year 2021-2022 with an increased academic offer, bringing 3 new bachelor study programs, offered in two languages, Albanian and English. Within the development plan for the period 2020-2025, come licensed by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth programs: Economic Informatics, Finance and Informatics Engineering.
This initiative, a novelty for higher education in Albania, follows the process of internationalization that has already become an identifying element of UET. Rector Tonin Gjuraj describes the opening of new programs as the second pillar of internationalization, which accompanies the current processes of international exchanges and projects.
Further, Professor Gjuraj emphasizes that it is intended that within this 5 years, to triple the programs in English and to increase the number of foreign students who choose UET for their academic training.
"It is intended that by the end of 2025, we have at least 10 programs in English. We want to attract two categories of students. First, for Albanian students who want a degree in English, because the chances for employment in our country and recruitment in the regional market and the European and world market increase. Second, to be able to attract foreign students. "Our ambition is clear, we want as soon as possible, UET to have at least 1/5 of foreign students, or not less than 1000 such" , says Gjuraj.
For the administrator of UET, Tildi Çadri, this is the right moment for UET to take this important step in increasing the quality, entering the league of the most prestigious international institutions. The work done during this 15-year-old paves the way to another level with many benefits, both for the students and for the university.
"The arrival of foreign students creates a positive pressure for our students and staff. English, as much as it can be an advantage, is also a great effort and will create dynamism. Albanian students and professors will seek to balance and be in competition with those of foreign universities. This process increases the quality of our teaching and pedagogues, giving them the opportunity to update their knowledge, literature, etc. The professors who will be included in the programs offered are professors who have studied and collaborated with universities abroad. In this context, we prepare the staff to enter in an equal, balanced way, in agreement with other institutions ", says the UET administrator.
Regarding foreign students, Çadri emphasizes that the demand is increasing from various European and world countries, who see coming to Albania as an attractive opportunity and at a lower cost.
"There is a lot of demand, from some countries. According to our statistics, applications come from many countries in the Balkans, Asia and the Far East, Eastern European countries, who find it more attractive to obtain a degree at UET offered internationally, in English, at a relatively higher cost. lower than in other institutions that offer this. Also, the cost of living is lower and serves as a cultural exchange, taking a different experience. "This is the future of education in Albania, to offer a European quality locally" , he says.
These programs create facilities for projects, Erasmus exchanges, partnerships with foreign universities, as well as the arrival of foreign professors. Also, UET will take care of the full language training, by organizing intensive courses in English, special for the subjects and programs.
This development plan is long-term and aims for 20% of the programs offered by UET to be in English. Finally, Chadri explains the reason why UET initially chose these 3 programs, to be in both languages.
"They are priority and most demanded branches in the country. They are pragmatic programs, which are also related to the partnerships we have with businesses. There are about 250 businesses with which we cooperate in the framework of internships, internships, employment, etc. We are also thinking about the part of the humanities, which are also very much in demand, such as Communication, Psychology, while further we will go to programs such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, etc. " , says Çadri.
Recall that UET offers 54 study programs, at all three levels of study, organized in 5 faculties and 11 departments.
Internationalization of UET
The figures of the last 5 years have shown that UET is a champion in the process of international tourism. During this period, within Erasmus + and KA1, student and academic staff exchanges took place.
About 300 Albanian students have exchanged at one of the partner universities, while 1.2 million euro scholarships have been awarded by the EU. Also, about 50 international students have conducted exchanges at UET.
In terms of academic staff, about 150 people (academic or administrative staff) have completed a 1-week shift for teaching or training at one of the partner universities and have been awarded a 300 thousand euro scholarship by the EU.
About 80 people (academic or administrative staff) have completed the 1-week shift for teaching or training at UET.
In the framework of double and joint agreements, 9 of them have been realized with foreign universities.
Regarding Erasmus + and KA2 capacity building, UET has implemented 25 projects, which have a budget of 1.7 million euros.
It is worth mentioning the activity of UET Center, which during the years 2011-2020 has implemented 40 projects, including a budget of 750 thousand euros.
Reference Link: https://uet.edu.al/new/sq/uet-hedh-hapin-e-dyte-te-nderkombetarizimit-3-programe-ne-anglisht/
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