5

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

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

208

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

209

210

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

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.

212

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.

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.

214

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

216

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

218

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

220

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

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

222

Technical brillianceRussias samaRa state technical univeRsity is a dynamic centRe

of ReseaRch and education whose scientific innovations aRe

in demand acRoss the woRld

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

www.eng.singidunum.ac.rs 224

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

225

226

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

www.ufv.es 227

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

228

Fluent deliveryuniversidad internacional Menndez Pelayo in sPain Provides

students froM around the world with the ideal environMent

in which to hone their language skills

www.uimp.es 229

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

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

www.euba.sk 231

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.

232

Fruitful researchThe escola Tcnica superior denginyeria agrria, parT

of caTalonias universiTy of lleida, is leading The field

in farming, food and foresTry educaTion

www.etsea.udl.es 233

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

234

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

www.unimib.it 235

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

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

www.unipi.it 237

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.

www.uva.es 238

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