uacs international accreditations' benefits for foreign students

INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

доцент д-р Илијана Петровскафевруари 2013

Ass. Prof. Ilijana Petrovska, ass. Snezana Hristova

Overview

1. University American College Skopje2. Third Generation University3. 3I University4. ACBSP and ECBE Accreditations5. Results from students survey at University

American College Skopje

UACS MISSION STATEMENT

UACS strives to provide excellence in higher education by combining the best of European and American educational standards.

UACS strongly supports • participative centered learning, • learning through practice, • internships, • visiting lecturers from the business community and • other forms of teaching that link students closer with real life

situations.

The University’s Vision Statement• Become a leader of higher education in the region and

promote good practice and cooperation amongst other educational institutions,

• Promote university based academic excellence and research recognized by the business community, faculty, students and graduates,

• Promote consultancy and strong industry relations of its faculty

• Promote lifelong learning, executive education and professional development for all that embrace education,

• Participate in the new European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA),

• Become an international and regional business education center in South East Europe.

Third Generation Higher Education

• independent from Governmental support, • mainly teaching in English language and • operational in a regional or a global market.

BASICS OF THE THIRD GENERATION UNIVERSITY

Towards the Society

Entreprenurial

GLOBALSchools with smaller roles

Promoting Research

funds, new teaching methods

Source: Wissema Hans (2008) Towards the third generation University,

Three “I” Principles

UACS operations are guided by: • International Faculty; • International student body; • International curricula, textbooks and teaching

supplements.

Since 2011 University American College is

Top 10 MBA Schools in SEE

ACBSP and ECBE accreditations specifics

ACBSP

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), formerly the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, is a U.S. organization offering accreditation services to business programs focused on teaching and learning.

• ACBSP was created to fulfill a need for specialized accreditation by colleges and universities with business schools and programs.

Benefits from ACBSP

• Accountability – external accountability for the quality of business programs

• Evidence of quality• Reputation• Continues improvement• International perspectives• Annual conference• Membership and networking

ECBE• The European Council for Business Education (ECBE)

– founded in 1991 – as an independent, not-for-profit organisation – headquartered in Belgium.

• The aim of ECBE is to accredit schools of business from across Europe to ensure excellence in business education and teaching.

• ECBE's accreditation process is based upon self and peer evaluation, aimed to ensure the continual improvement of educational quality.

• ECBE is a registered affiliate of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

ECBE benefits• Why is it important to have accreditation? • The award of accreditation demonstrates to professional academics and to the

public, in general, that an institution has attained an internationally recognizable level of quality allowing students, employers and parents to have confidence in the education that is being provided.

• What are the benefits of accreditation to an institution? • Support, motivation and advise to provide a dynamic quality programme of

education meeting both the demands of students and the marketplace. An increase in demand for its courses.

• What is the value of accreditation for students? • A guarantee of a balanced quality programme resulting in an award recognised

by other institutions and employers. Allows students to change institutions internationally while taking their course credits with them.

RESULTS FROM SURVEY ON STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY AMERICAN COLLEGE SKOPJE

1. Do you think that globalization influenced the Higher Education in

Macedonia? If yes, how?

60%

30%

10%

Globalization influence on Higher Education in MK

YESNOno answer

As Internet, Networking, student exchange, new skills recognizes worldwide, importance of English language

2. Do you think that UACS has implemented new teaching methods as a result from acquiring International accreditations?

90%

10%

New teaching methods as a result from International accreditations

YESNOno answer

3. Do you think that Universities with International accreditation provide more

opportunities and premium quality? If yes, how?

86%

14%

more opportunities and premium education

YESNOno answer

Using International English books, more skilled professors, teacher evaluation, learning through practice and through practical examples

4. Was the UACS International accreditation significant reason for you

to enroll at UACS?

76%

14% 10%

influence of Int Accreditation on enrollment

YESNOno answer

5. Do you understand the meaning of Internationalization of Higher Education? If yes,

how?

30%

46%

24%Understanding of Internationalization

YESNOno answer

Improved International awareness of the University, enhanced cooperation and opportunities, enhanced International curricula and better knowledge

6. Do you think that UACS has implemented some measures for better

internationalization? Provide ex.

34%

6%

60%

Implented UACS measures for Internationalization

YESNOno answer

Summer school abroad opportunities, getting dual diploma, experienced foreign professors and guest lectures, International students

Conclusions

• Most of the students’ opinion (30%) is that globalization influence on the Higher Education.

• 90% of the respondents believe that the International accreditation has influenced on the improved teaching quality.

• 76% enrolled at UACS because of the International accreditation .

• There are many opportunities in order to increase the Internationalization of the UACS.– Students mobility– More International professors on permanent basis – International networking in Research and Academic area

THANK YOU!

Dr. Ilijana Petrovskapetrovska@uacs.edu.mk

PhDc. Snezana Hristova and PhDc. Makedonka Dimitrova