December 2013 The second Information Bulletin on the project results for the first half of 2013 was published. The Bulletin is available on the official website of La Manche project.
December 13, 2013 At the University of Seville (Spain) Agreement of cooperation was signed between partner-universities of the consortium of ICAEN project "Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighbouring Area" of TEMPUS IV Programme. Agreement was signed by the rectors of the University of Seville, Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives, Tbilisi State University, Gori Pedagogical University, Tajik State University of Commerce and vice-rectors of Haute Ecole Charlemagne (Belgium), Belarusian State Economics University, Tajik Technical University. Signing of Agreement involves the creation of an academic network of universities under which they will share their skills and experience on internationalization and on other activities of universities. Members of the consortium will continue informing each other about international and national events and opportunities of participating in educational and research projects.
In particular members of the meeting were proposed to work out two new areas of joint work:
1. Economic profile that is associated with the training of specialists in the field of economics and management in universities of different countries.
2. Chemical and biological profile that is associated with the development of transplantation.
November 28, 2013 Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives held an international seminar on "Raising Standards in Teaching/Learning through internationalization" in the frames of the TEMPUS Project "Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighbouring Area" - ICAEN.
The seminar was attended by professor of law of the University of Seville (Spain), project coordinator Miguel Angel Adame Martinez, translator of the International Relations Department of the University of Seville Rafael Wagner Parets, vice Rector for International Relations of the Tajik State University of Commerce Zarrina Kadyrova, dean of World Economics and Law Department of TSUC Farhod Sharopov as well as by academic and administrative staff of BTEU.
During the seminar all the participants had the opportunity to not only see the presentations of the colleagues from Spain on the approach to internationalization on case of TEMPUS ICAEN, implementation of language plan at the University of Seville, but as well to take part in cooperation by asking questions and getting satisfactory answers. Besides, the participants themselves were looking for the answers to the questions: Internationalization of higher education - what is it?; Internationalization of research - what is it?
Reportage of the First City Channel on the held Seminar you can watch following the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuWKanwTF_w&feature=youtu.be
November 5, 2013 Belarusian State Economic University (Minsk) held the monitoring of the project "Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education" of the TEMPUS IV program. The next representatives of PC’s HEIs of the Republic of Belarus participated in the monitoring:
>Belarusian State Economic University (BSEU) – Minsk;
>Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives (BTEU) – Gomel;
>P.O. Sukhoi State Technical University of Gomel (GSTU);
>Vitebsk State Technical University (VSTU).
In whole the first year activities included the investigation of management features in PC"s universities, the distribution of functional responsibilities among university authorities, and approaches to change management, as well asconducting researches on the selected by the universities topics within the direction "Changing of higher education institutions within the countries with economies in transition."
Students of Belarusian State Economic University took part in the monitoring.
After the report on implementation of the first year of the project, the project officer of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency Ms. Belen Enciso noted that all the events scheduled for this period are completed.
October 22-25, 2013 The Partner Meeting of the project "Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education" of the TEMPUS program took place on the basis of Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal).
This meeting marked the beginning of the second year of the project. During this year it is planned to conduct training workshops on university management, such workshops should be carried out in all the partner universities for several target groups, including a group of students involved in the management process. Taking into consideration that a considerable amount of time during the Meeting was given for training and exchanging of knowledge, the participants of the Partner Meeting in Bragança will act as the lecturers of the workshops.
The Partner Meeting and training workshops were attended by representatives of the top management of higher education institutions of the consortium of the project: rectors, vice-rectors, deans, deputies, heads of departments of international relations. Belarus was represented by 4 universities:
> Belarusian State Economic University (BSEU);
> Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives (BTEU);
> P.O. Sukhoi State Technical University of Gomel;
> Vitebsk State Technological University.
All the participants have got certificates. The next representatives of our university were presented with certificates: Rector of BTEU, Doctor of Economics, Professor Svetlana Lebedeva, First Vice-Rector, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor Misnikova Lyudmila and Valiantsina Astafyeva, Dean of the Accounting and Finance department, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor.
Case studies on change management from each institution of higher education were presented at the meeting. It provided the meeting with an opportunity of exchanging experiences and introducing new trends in the educational process. Our university has presented the implementation of educational programs integrated with specialized secondary education. This course has raised interest of the project coordinators, EU higher education institutions and even the universities of Belarus.
All materials on university management will be available on the project site.
October 16-20, 2013 Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (Greece) hosted the first kick-off Partner Meeting of the EFFORT project of Erasmus Mundus program. It is the first time Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives participates in this project. The project is expected to provide students mobility as well as mobility of post graduate students and academic staff to higher education institutions of the EU partners for study for a period of 1 - 2 years, conducting researches, developing new disciplines for a period of 1 - 6 months. The general requirement of the project is recognition of studies pursued at an institution of higher education by the internal institution of higher education.
BTEU gives special attention to the project, because it will give the opportunity to work out the first experience of participating in mobility programs. Mobility is one of the basic principles of the requirements of the Bologna Declaration. That is why in the first kick-off meeting was attended by Rector of BTEU, Doctor of Economics, Professor Svetlana Lebedeva and First Vice-Rector, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor Misnikova Lyudmila, who is responsible for tutoring of international projects .
The coordinator of the project is Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (Greece) and Armenian National Agrarian University (Yerevan) is the joint coordinator of the project. The project involves 20 universities, including 8 universities from EU countries (UK, France, Portugal, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece), and 12 universities from the post-Soviet countries (Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, and Belarus). Besides our university representing Belarus, Baranovichi State University is also involved in the project.
August 28, 2013 The announcement of the results of the selection 2013 for the program ERASMUS MUNDUS ACTION 2 Selection 2013. 57 projects have been selected, 9 of them are with the participation of Belarusian universities, including the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives.
The project is planned for the period from 2013 to 2017. The coordinating organization is Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (Greece).
July 01, 2013 Round Table "Internationalization: results obtained and development prospects" took place in BTEU. RT was arranged in the frames of the TEMPUS Project "Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighbouring Area" - ICAEN. Vice-rectors coordinating international activities, Heads of IRDs, and Deans for work with international students from 5 Gomel Universities took part in the event.
The main aim of the RT was to create awareness among higher education employees about obtained results of the Project and to give consideration to internationalization in region.
May 21-24, 2013 the II International Spring Forum "Innovative Technologies in Economic and Business Education" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Department of ICS and the 10th anniversary of the Center of Business-Education took place at the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperative.The forum was attended by professors, scientists, business representatives, members of NGO, entrepreneurs from 8 countries: USA, Poland, Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus. During the forum, participants discussed issues related to the interaction of science, education and business. Two agreements for cooperation with theD.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics (Bulgaria) and theVologda Institute of Business (Russian Federation) were signed at the Forum.
April 21-26, 2013 a working visit to University College Birmingham of V. Astafyeva, Dean of the Accounting and Finance Department took place within LaManche prject "Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education" on TEMPUS program.
The analysis of higher education reform within the countries with economy in transition was done; innovation practice of managing in higher education was presented; the experience of identifying leadership qualities of students and in the work with students outside the classroom was studied.
National development prospects of higher education in Britain were identified.
The materials of the seminar can be found here.
April 18, 2013 a festival of international friendship "Let"s Join Hands, Friends" took place at our University. It was attended by foreign students from India, China, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Sri Lanka who are studying at the universities of Gomel.
Vladimir F. Byk, First Vice-Rector of the University, welcomed the guests and participants of the festival. He took notice that such meetings contributed to the establishment of new creative contacts between the students from different countries and nationalities; to the sharing and dissemination of the best national traditions, to the maintenance and enhancement of the cultural achievements of students, as well as tolerance education.
Anwar K. Ibodov, the Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Republic of Belarus, attended the festival as a guest of distinction. He took notice of high level of preparation and holding of the event and talked with students and undergraduates from Tajikistan, studying at the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives. In addition, BTEU is the only university in the region, where tajik students are studying.
Voices and melodies from different parts of our planet were heard that evening from the stage of the Palace of Culture of the University. Belarusian students on the rights of the hosts greeted guests with the song “City-on-the-Sozh” and vocal and choreographic composition “Camomile fields".
The songs of Nigerian, Chinese and Tajik students took turns inflammatory dancing of the representatives of India, Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan. Many young people came to the festival wearing their national costumes, which gave the festival a special and unique flavor.
March 22, 2013 a celebration event dedicated to the International Day of Novruz took place in BTEU. Translated from Persian "Novruz" means a new Day. Novruz is a feast of nature and represents the end of a long harsh winter with its bitter cold. It also means land revival, spring rejoicing in nature and human hearts. The holiday commemorates the annual sowing of crops in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries.
Novruz has been and remains a factor of rapprochement of the peoples, enrichment and interpenetration of different cultures, expansion of cultural space.
Students from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan met the guests not only with the traditions and customs of the holiday, but with the national dishes, which are prepared on this day.
February 25, 2013 the Seminar on "Policy and strategy of internationalization in the Universities” took place in Tajik Technical University (Dushanbe). The seminar was held in the framework of the Tempus project "Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighbouring Area."
Two representatives from each university participated in the seminar.
BTEU was represented by Misnikova L., Vice-Rector on Educational and Methodical Work and Deshchenya S., Head of the Strategic Planning and Analysis.
Deshchenya S. introduced the university experience on the development of strategic plans and assessment of their implementation. Misnikova L. focused on the strategic plan of the international activities of the University.
Besides common approaches to the creation of internationalization network among the universities of Tajikistan, Georgia and Belarus were discussed at the Seminar.
February 21, 2013 the video conference (belarusian online focus group) was held within the project "Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education" on TEMPUS program with the participation of Belarusian beneficiary universities: BTEU, GSTU, BSEU and VTU. It was chaired by the coordinating institution - International University College (Bulgaria). From the European side the video conference was attended by University College Birmingham (England), University of Thessaly (Greece) and Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal).
During the conference the participants discussed the following questions:
-Management model in the universities of the Republic of Belarus;
-Changes in educational system at the national level;
-The effectiveness of the governance process in the universities;
-The process of informing the faculty and staff of the University of the taken decisions of higher authorities.
The agreement has been reached on reporting to the project coordinator Christina Armutlieva (IUC, Bulgaria) for project period.
January 23-24, 2013 Svetlana Lebedeva, Rector of BTEU, and Vice-rector on educational and methodical work Misnikova Lyudmila took part in the XXXIII International scientific conference at the Poltava University of Economy and Trade "The quality of higher education: methodological and methodical approaches to the implementation of distance learning technologies" at the Poltava University of Economics and Trade. On-line broadcast of the plenary meeting of this conference was carried on the official website of the main center of Distance Education of PUET. They introduced the experience of distance education implementation in BTEU. Within the conference the opportunity to become acquainted with the experience of developing the electronic teaching materials at the Poltava University of Economy and Trade was given. The conference was attended by scientists from the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economy and Law, the Sumy State University, Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade as well as the University of Germany, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
November 16, 2012 the project monitoring 516663-2011-ES-SMGR «Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighbouring Area» was carried out. It is the project on Structural Measures (Governance Reform), focused on working out of national recommendations for the purpose of increase of internationalisation in the field of teaching, training and scientific researches in Belarus, Georgia and Tajikistan. There is also the development of the international network as platforms for regular dialogue and joint actions on internationalisation in a multiregional context on its basis.
Guilia Moro, representative of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission, Nikolay Listopad, NTO Belarus Co-ordinator, and Kate Miniukovich, NTO Belarus administrator, have taken part in the working meeting. From BTEU the monitoring was attended by Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work of BTEU and project Co-ordinator Misnikova Lyudmila and IRD methodologist Smirnova Aksana.
October, 2012 the project implementation "Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education” has started within Tempus program, in which four Belarusian universities will participate:
> Belarusian State Economic University (BSEU);
> Belarusian Trade and EconomicsUniversity of Consumer Cooperatives (BTEU);
> P.O. Sukhoi StateTechnical University of Gomel;
> Vitebsk State Technological University
29 universities from 11 partner countries are involved in the project.
November, 2012 the kick-off meeting of the project partners and the steering committee meeting was held in Dobrich (Bulgaria). Following project results are expected:
>Self-assessment and external analysis of leadership and management skills and models at PCs HEIs;
> Changing Higher Education in Societies it Transitions: In-depth Study Report on Modernization Processes in HE in PCS and their Implications fro HEIs;
> Handbook of Innovative European Governance Practices in HE;
> Capacity building activities including development of syllabuses and guidance materials in leadership and change management.
> Training of trainers in leadership and change management, followed by local multiplication trainings at the PCs HEIs;
>Promotion of transportation collaboration of EU and PCs HE leaders and other key stakeholders in HE trough the LaMANCE Virtual Think Tank;
> Development of Strategy for Leading and Managing Change in Higher Education in the Eastern Neighboring Area (La MANCHE Strategy).
Currently partnership agreements defined the role of each university in the project are being prepared. BTEU has been assigned the role of participation in the executive committee, work in Belarusian focus groups, the research and development of proposals for modernizing management processes at the institutional level.
November 6, 2012 Cultural event "Dialogue of Cultures" was held in BTEU. Students studing at the university from Belarus, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan took part in it.
While opening the event, the Rector of BTEU S.N.Lebedeva noted that history and cultural traditions of our people contributed to the maintenance of cultural heritage and strengthening of international cultural relations. During the event those present became familiar with national symbols, folk costumes, national customs and traditions, cultural heritage of three countries. Songs and dances by Belarusian, Tajik and Turkmen students were performed.
October 25, 2012 the 3d Videoconference was held within the Project on Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighboring Area (ICAEN) within TEMPUS IV Program with the participation of the beneficiary institutions. It was chaired by the coordinating institution – the University of Seville (Spain). From the Belarusian side, a virtual meeting was attended by two universities –and Belarusian StateEconomic University, Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives. The participants discussed the results of the realization of the activities of the 1st year of the project, work plan of the 2nd year. Agreed upon the timing and place of the Steering Committee Session.
September 28, 2012 according to the first year working plan of the project «Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighboring Area WORKSHOP» under TEMPUS program on the basis of BTEUthe international seminar «Strategic Planning and Internationalization of High Education» took place.
The representatives of partner universities from Spain, Scotland, Georgia, Tajikistan and Belarus took part in the seminar work.
The Belarusian side was attended by members of International Relations Department of the Belarusian State Economic University and BelarusianTrade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives, and teachers interested in learning the designated problem.
August 12-28, 2012 the visit of the representative of the Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives to Edinburgh (Scotland) and Liege (Belgium) for the improvement of professional skills and the passage of courses of intensive studying of English language in the framework of project realization «Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighboring Area» within TEMPUS program took place. During the visit practical skills of possession of English language for the purpose of active participation in the international activity of university and expansion of network contacts in the framework of research work with foreign universities were improved; the algorithm of adjustment of the international relations of Harriott Watt University with new partners, approaches to planning of projects of the international cooperation were studied.
July 09-13, 2012 the visit of the representatives of the university in Tbilisi (Georgia) in the framework of the project "Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighboring Area" under Tempus program took place.
The methodologists of International Relations Department took part in the seminar "The treaties on international cooperation and development of network contacts," which was held on the basis of TbilisiState University. During the work the questions of teaching and student"s mobility, and also the problems connected with the organization of the academic mobility between the partner universities were considered. The structure and the features of the organization of work of International Relations Department of TSU, and also conducting of contractual work in the framework of the international cooperation were studied.
June 22, 2012 the Preparatory Department of the Faculty of Business education graduated students for the seventh time. 8 foreign citizens got certificates on successful completion of the Preparatory Department. Their friends, teachers, supervising professors, assistants, Head of the International Relations T. P. Valynets, Dean of the Faculty of Business Education N. V. Maksimenko, teacher of the Russian Language N. A. Dzvinskovskaya came to congratulate the graduates.
June 11-12, 2012 Head of the International Relations Department Tatsiana Valynets and interpreter of IRD Nina Yatsuk took part in the Workshop on "International Relations: Organization and Management", held in the framework of the TEMPUS project at Tajik State University of Commerce (Dushanbe).
During the workshop, the participants carried out a comparative analysis of the structure of international relations departments of the partner universities, discussed the aims and objectives of these departments and the responsibilities of their staff.
Information obtained during the workshop will help optimize the performance of the international relations departments of educational institutions, and will be used to develop the Best Practices Manual on "Organization & Management of IR structures" (its publication is planned within the project).
May 25-26, 2012 representatives of BTEU (Prof. Valery Bondarenko - Associate Professor of Marketing, Coordinator of BRIDGE project from Belarus’ side, Svetlana Lebedeva - Head of the World and National Economy Department, Tatsiana Volynets - Head of the International Relations Department, Maria Timoshenko - lecturer of the World and National Economy Department) took part in the Final Conference on New Challenges of the EU policy with regard to Eastern Partnership - Cooperation with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. The final conference was held in Maribor (Slovenia). It summed up four years of work on the Project BRIDGE “Fostering mutual understanding and cooperation of the EU with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine”. The conference was attended by experts from Slovenia,Austria, Italy, Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. The participants discussed various aspects of the current situation relating to the agenda of the final conference, and developed proposals aimed at further development of cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus.
May 2012 an article was published on the results of the implementation of the International Belarusian-Swedish project “Legal system - a comparison of Sweden and Belarus” in the Swedish media.
May 12-16, 2012 Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work of BTEU Misnikova Lyudmila took part in a thematic seminar for experts on higher education reform on Cooperation of Universities and Businesses.
The seminar was attended by 40 experts on reforms of higher education and by coordinators of TEMPUS Program in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Israel, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. The organizers of the program were TEMPUS, UNICA, the National Tempus Office of Israel, Holon Technology Institute. The seminar program mainly assumed the discussion of introduction of scientific developments into practice.
The following major issues were discussed:
1. Business partners of Israeli educational system.
2. Major programs, operating in Israel, aimed at financing of implementation of scientific developments.
3. Relationship between universities and businesses in European universities.
4. Connection between science and industry in the Tempus partner countries.
5. Features of the implementation of scientific achievements at Weismann Research Institute.
6. Use of technology transfer centers.
May 3, 2012 the 2nd Videoconference was held within the Project on Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighboring Area (ICAEN) within TEMPUS IV Program with the participation of the beneficiary institutions. It was chaired by the coordinating institution – the University of Seville (Spain). From the Belarusian side, a virtual meeting was attended by two universities –and Belarusian StateEconomic University, Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives. The participants discussed the planned activities and agreed upon the timing, subjects and practical issues of workshops and trainings to be held during the second half-year of 2012:
-Organization and Management of International Relations Offices (Dushanbe, Tajikistan) – June 10-13, 2012
-International Cooperation Agreements and Network (Tbilisi, Georgia) – July 1-4, 2012
-Practical Language Training of IR staff (Edinburgh, Scotland) – August 13-28, 2012
-Funding opportunities of Cooperation Programmes. Preparation of Strategic Plan of Internationalisation (Minsk, Belarus) – September 27-28, 2012
The outcomes of the Videoconference and photos are presented on the project website http://tempusicaen.ning.com
April 26-27, 2012 the Rector of Cheboksary Cooperative Institute (Russian Federation), Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Deputy of the State Council of the Chuvash Republic Valery V. Andreev visited our University in the framework of the cooperation agreement with BTEU.
During the visit, Rectors of the educational institutions discussed the matters of practice-oriented training of MAs, and exchanged experience on the implementation of international educational programs and projects. Our university received a proposal to rake part in the project “Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of the Strategic Development of the Cooperative Sector in the Context of Globalization” funded by the Russian Humanitarian Science Foundation. Moreover, the heads of the educational institutions noted the potential of Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives and Cheboksary Cooperative Institute to increase cooperation and reaffirmed their readiness to form new areas of cooperation.
March 15-16, 2012 a group of foreign students from BTEU took part in the 5th festival of foreign students’ creative work titled “Friendship of Peoples”, held on the premises of the state institution of higher education “Belarusian-Russian University” (Mogilev). Participation resulted in obtaining the 3rd degree diploma in the nomination “Vocal and Choral Creative Work”.
March 6, 2012 inspectors of Department for Citizenship and Migration of the Soviet District Administration Kosobukina M.V. and Marusik R.I., Deputy Head of Border Control “Gomel” OPOGK “Minsk” of State Border Committee of Belarus Lazarenko R.A. met with the foreign students and students of the preparatory department. The compliance with the rules of stay of foreign citizens in the Republic ofBelarus and the liability for non-compliance were on the agenda of the meeting.
March 1-2, 2012 the Round Table “EU-Belarus: aims and methods for implementing the EU initiatives within the framework of the European Neighbourhood policy and Eastern Partnership” was held within Project BRIDGE on the premises of Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives.
The international project BRIDGE was developed and is coordinated by ISCOMET (Institute for Ethnic and Regional Studies), Maribor, Slovenia. The essence of the project is expressed in its full name “Fostering mutual understanding and co-operation of the EU with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine”. The project is approved and financed by EuropeAid of the European Commission.
During the sessions, the participants of the Round Table expressed their confidence in the fact that BRIDGE project has made a major contribution to the fostering of mutual understanding and cooperation among academics, civil society members, civil servants, members of national minorities and religious communities, students and experts from the EU and partner countries.
The event was attended by the Rector of BTEU, the member of the Council of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Alla Naumchik, project coordinator Professor Silvo Devetak (Slovenia), Project Coordinator of the EU Delegation to Belarus Viacheslav Shelegeiko, Senior Advisor of the Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee Marina Filonova, Deputy Chairman of the Gomel City Executive Committee for Social Affairs Elena Klichkovskaya, Senior Inspector at Large of the Department for Citizenship and Migration of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Gomel Region Executive Committee Andrei Smaliuga, Deputy Chairman of the Panel of the Gomel Branch of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Alexander Kravtsov, and by the representatives of Gomel higher educational institutions.
January 15-21, 2012 Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work Lyudmila Misnikova and Head of International Relations Department Tatsiana Valynets visited the University of Seville (Spain) andInHolland University (Netherlands) within the TEMPUS project on Internationalization in Central Asia and Eastern Neighborhood Area (ICAEN). They studied with the activity of IRD, Library, Department for Orientation of International Students, Technical Department of Secretariat of the Philological Faculty, Research Department, etc.
They took part in the following trainings:
- Management of international contacts and cooperation agreements;
- Management of international projects;
- Funding of international projects;
- Role of libraries in internationalization.They also studied the experience of implementing strategic international contacts at the University of InHolland (Netherlands).
The experience of foreign universities shows that internationalization of universities is carried out in the following areas:
- Drawing up a strategic plan of internationalization.
- Mobility of teachers and students.
- Export of educational services.
- Participation of the university in international programs and projects.
- Providing an internationalization component in the educational programs of universities.
December 12-13, 2011 Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work Lyudmila Misnikova took part in the annual Tempus Representatives" Meeting for the projects selected within the IV Call for Proposals, organized by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission. The Meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium. The following practical issues of Tempus projects implementation were discussed: managing a project cycle, grant agreement, responsibility of parties in the process of project implementation.
December 5, 2011 a return visit of the foreign delegation from Geteborg (Sweden) took place under the international agreement. The Swedish representatives gave lectures on History of Swedish Law and European law to students and professors of BTEU. Besides, the delegation visited the regional and economic courts of Gomel, the Department of Internal Affairs of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee and the Notarial Office No.2 of the Gomel Soviet District.
November 14-20, 2011 the working visit of Belarusian delegation to Cancun (Mexico), where a meeting of the General Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) took place. The delegation was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Board of Belcoopsoyuz Gadad G. Galimov.
The delegation consisted of A.A.Navumchyk (Rector of Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives), L.P.Dovzhik (Principal specialist of the Department for Foreign Economic Activity of Belcoopsoyuz), O.V.Nesteruk (Chairman of the Brest Oblpotrebsoyuz), V.A.Smolsky (Chairman of the Gomel Oblpotrebsoyuz), S.M.Shurkalo (Chairman of the Mogilev Oblpotrebsoyuz).
During the meeting, the annual reports prepared by Katie Bardsvik, the Chairwoman of the Committee for Audit and Control Risks, and Paul Hansen, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, and a report on new policy priorities of the ICA, prepared by the new employee of the Office for Global Socio-political Activities Betsy Driben were presented. The reports on the financial activities of the ICA during 2011 and a draft budget for 2012 were approved. Charles Gould, the Director-General of ICA, presented a report on the activities of the Global Office.
During the General Conference of the International Community of Consumer Cooperatives the heads of regional departments presented the reports on the activities of consumer cooperatives in their regions. Activities planned for 2012 were discussed (2012 was declared the International Year of Cooperatives by the UNO).
On November 18, the meeting of the General Assembly of ICA was opened by the President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.
At the end of the session, President of ICA Pauline Green thanked the delegates for their participation and invited them to take part in the Extraordinary General Assembly meeting to be held in Manchester (UK) in November 2012.
November 5, 2011 the first stage of the International Belarusian-Swedish Project “The legal system - a comparison between Sweden and Belarus” was successfully completed. The university staff tooka visit to Goteborg (Sweden) in the framework of the first stage. During the trip, the employees learnt the peculiarities of the legal system of Sweden, visited a number of administrative and judicial institutions. Besides, the staff visited the Department of Law of the University of Goteborg and Yrkeshögskolan Gotebörg, where they were able to examine the structure of the university and the system of teaching law courses at the above-mentioned educational institutions.
October 15, 2011 the Project on Internationalization in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighboring Area (ICAEN) within TEMPUS IV Program was launched.
On November 2, 2011, there was held a videoconference with the participation of the beneficiary institutions. It was chaired by the coordinating institution – the University of Seville (Spain). From the Belarusian side, a virtual meeting was attended by two universities - Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives and Belarusian State Economic University. The participants discussed the planned activities and agreed upon the timing of the Start-up Seminar, lists of participants to be involved in the project in accordance with the Work Plan, preparation of marketing materials for the project. Besides, the practical issues of visits to the EU countries were discussed. In addition, the Videoconference resulted in the appointment of a participant of the Tempus Representatives’ Meeting that will be held in Brussels on 12-13 December 2011. The outcomes of the Videoconference and photos are presented on the project website http://tempusicaen.ning.com
October 13, 2011 students and Master Course students from Tajikistan participated in the opening of the Tajik artist Bahrom Ismatov’s exhibition within the days of culture of the Republic of Tajikistan.
September 3-11, 2011 the Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work Misnikova Lyudmila and 5 students from BTEU took part in BRIDGE International Summer University, which was held in Vadul lui Voda (Moldova). The Summer University gathered talented and promising students from Belarus, Moldova, Russia and the Ukraine. It served as a forum for examining and discussing openly the key issues and challenges related to economic integration of the EU and the partner countries, the peculiarities of legal regulation of foreign trade. The guidelines of further cooperation in the field of higher education were discussed during ISU. In addition, the students could participate in the simulation of "negotiations" between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus. Together with BSEU students our guys prepared a cultural program, including a presentation of Belarus, accompanied by folk songs and dances. At the closing of the Summer University, all participants received certificates.
August 17, 2011 - the top-management of the University met with the Rector of the International University of Fundamental Studies, President of the Intergovernmental Higher Academic Council, President of Ceylon Company Mr. Shanti Jayasekara (Sri Lanka). Our University received a unique proposal to establish a Centre of Educational Programmes with the assistance of the International University of Fundamental Studies. This will contribute both to the enhancement of international cooperation and to student exchange between BTEU and leading universities around the world.
July 2011 - the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture of the European Commission announced the results of the 4th Call for proposals within TEMPUS IV. Among those selected are three projects with the participation of Belarusian universities, including Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives. Our project on Internationalisation in Central Asia and the Eastern Neighborhood Area has obtained financing and the start of its implementation is planned for October 2011. The project implementation will last 3 years. It is planned to modernize the international relations department, improve the organisation of its activity, purchase equipment, create BTEU library’s gateway that will provide free access to the research papers. The project stipulates staff’s and students’ mobility to the partner universities. The project partners are the universities in Tajikistan, Georgia and Belarus. The project coordinator is the University of Seville (Spain). The total project budget is 968,355 Euro.
June 21, 2011 - a cooperation agreement between Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives and Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics was concluded. The agreement was signed by BTEU Rector, a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Ala A. Navumchyk and KNTEU Rector, member of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of theUkraine, Honoured Scientist of the Ukraine Anatoly A. Mazaraki. From the Ukrainian side, the ceremony of signing was attended by the KNTEU Vice-rector for Scientific and Pedagogical work and International Relations Valery N. Sai. Belarusian Trade and Economic University of Consumer Cooperatives was represented by the First Vice-rector Vladimir F. Byk, Vice-rector for Academic and Methodical Work Lyudmila V. Misnikova, Dean of the Faculty of Business Education Nikolai V. Maksimenko, Head of the International Relations Department Tatsiana P. Valynets. Morever. Morever, by the resolution of the Council of the University the Rector of KNTEU Mazaraki A.A. was awarded the title of honorary professor of BTEU for his contribution to scientific manpower’s training and research in trade.
May 19-20, 2011 - International Workshop on Developing the Civil Society and Ensuring the Rights of Ethnic and Religious Cultures in the Republic of Belarus in the framework of BRIDGE Project "Fostering mutual understanding and cooperation of EU with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine". The workshop was attended by the coordinator of the Project BRIDGE Prof. Silvo Devetak from Slovenia, Rector of BTEU, Member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Prof. Ala Navumchyk, Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees in the Republic of Belarus Ms Sholeh Safavi, foreign experts, staff of the local authorities, leaders of national diasporas (Jewish, Polish), representatives of religious confessions (Muslim, Baptist, Judaic), and leading experts from the HEI’s of Gomel. A wide range of issues were considered during the Workshop, among which: the EU’s and Belarus’ policy in the sphere of ethnic and religious relations, ensuring employment and social protection of forced migrants and their social protection, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ activity aimed at protection of ethnic minorities’ rights, constitutional, legal and political aspects of minorities’ protection in the EU, ethnic structure of the population of the Republic of Belarus and its dynamics in the light of international relations , the legal status of ethnic and religious minorities in the Republic of Belarus, mental grounds of the East Slavic peoples’ unity as a factor of integration processes, public policy towards religious organizations in the Republic of Belarus. The workshop gave a basis for the exchange of opinions on the WS topics during the round table.
April 13, 2011 - a tour to the Vetka Museum of Folk Art was organized for the foreign students of BTEU. The Department of Foreign Languages regularly holds such activities aimed at promoting cross-cultural communication. Students became familiarized with the unique history of the Vetka Region, saw a unique collection of icons, visited the permanent exhibition of Neglyubskie towels and incunabula, participated in the conversation with the museum staff and told them about their national traditions, rites and religious peculiarities.
March 23, 2011 - a seminar organized by the professors of the Department of Economics together with The Friedrich Ebert Foundation was held at the University. Raising of the investment attractiveness of Belarus’ economy: outcomes, problems and prospects was the theme of the seminar. It was attended by the University professors, led by the Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, the head of the research topic Interaction between internal and external markets in the economy of Belarus Vladislav Konovalov, BTEU students, and the head of The Friedrich Ebert Foundation in the Republic of BelarusAlexander Petrachkov, . During the seminar, a discussion has arisen on the most interesting questions. During the discussion, each participant could freely express his own opinion and defend his point of view.
January 25 - February 7, 2011 - the students of the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives Skurko Aleksandra and Shumak Victoria took part in the Winter School of Student Activists-2011, which was held 100 km from the city of Kursk at the Palace and Park Ensemble Maryino. The students from various regions of Russia, Belarus, Abkhazia and Transdniestria attended the event, which was organized by the Russian State Trade-Economic University. The program included both communication with peers and participation in various activities such as rope courses, trainings ("Personal Advancement", "Professional Advancement", "Dreams Come True!"), debates, excursions, and an innovative auction. The participants were offered a rich entertainment program including a tea ceremony, different performances, karaoke shows, and a real Imperial Ball. On February 4, the Rector of RGTEU S.N. Baburin and the Vice-rector P.A. Shevtsov met with the students. The closing of the Winter School was held on an optimistic note. In conclusion the students and the Director of the School of Student Activists S.S. Ermakov performed the School’s motto-dance “Who if not us?”. And it couldn’t do without the Snow Leopard, the symbol of the Winter School of Student Activists, who was dancing and posing for pictures.
November 26-27, 2010 - International Expert Meeting on developing cross-border cooperation/neighbourhood programmes between the EU and Eastern European Partnership countries and Russia took place in Chisinau , the Republic of Moldova in the framework of BRIDGE project. The seminar was attended by the coordinator of the Project BRIDGE Prof. Silvo Devetak from Slovenia, Veaceslav Gututui(Deputy Minister, Ministry of Constructions and Regional Development of Moldova), Dirk Schuebel (Head of the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova), and the representaives from partner countries. The staff of the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives took part in this event as well. Sviatlana Lebedzeva made a contribution on cross-border cooperation experiences in the framework of the EU enlargement. Albert Haurykau and Ina Yafimenka spoke on the political and legal aspects of the inter-regional and cross-border cooperation. Lyudmila Misnikova was present at the Meeting as a participant and took part in the discussion. The IEM resulted in the adoption of concluding recommendations.
October 6-9, 2010 - Rector of BTEU Ala Navumchyk and Vice-rector for Study and Methodical Work Lyudmila Misnikova took part in XII Session of the Council of Rectors of higher educational institutions of consumer cooperatives of CIS countries that took place at the Lvov Academy of Commerce.
September 24, 2010 - the Rector of the University Mrs. Ala Navumchyk had a meeting with a representative of the USAID Regional Mission for the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, Program Manager Mr. John Riordan and the Head of the New Eurasia Foundation Ms. Zhanna Philippova. The topic for discussion was the prospects of further cooperation in the programs of economic and business education in Belarus, as well as the experience of implementing distance learning technologies in the educational process by the teachers who had been trained at the School of Master Classes and the School of Cases within the programs of the New Eurasia Foundation.
May 14-15, 2010 - International Workshop for civil society representatives and civil servants of the Republic of Belarus in the framework of BRIDGE Project "Fostering mutual understanding and cooperation of EU with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine." The representatives of Belarus and the European Union discussed their relations at the round table. The seminar was attended by the coordinator of the Project BRIDGE Prof. Silvo Devetak from Slovenia, Rector of BTEU, Member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Ala Navumchyk, Deputy Director for Europe, Head of Pan-European Co-operation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Serpikov. The workshop resulted in the development of recommendations for the implementation of possible projects in the areas of Belarus-EU cooperation within the Programme of the European Neighbourhood Policy and Eastern Partnership. Besides, the participants considered the plans for further development of the Project BRIDGE. The event was extensively media covered: http://www.gomel-region.by/ru/bottom_menu/news/economics?ns_id=16288,http://belapan.com/archive/2010/05/14/eu_384971/, http://www.gorod.gomel.by/news/10-05-14/Сотрудничество_на_международном_семинаре.aspx
April 28, 2010 - visit of the Director of the Center for International Studies, Tobias Knubben. Delivering a lecture on the topic "Social Market Economy" for BTEU professors and students.
March 30, 2010 - visit of the representative of the University of Turin , Prof. Giuseppe Dutto pursuing paragraph 8 of the working plan "Dissemination".
March 24, 2010 - International Workshop "NEW TRENDS IN UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT FOR THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES" in the framework of TEMPUS Project «Upgrading the Management at the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives to EU Quality standards".
February 15 - March 20, 2010 - visit of the BTEU staff in the framework of TEMPUS Project III to the School of Management and the University of Turin in order to study the management of international activities, structure and functioning of International Relations Departments, analyze admission and enrolling procedures, study Curricula and functioning of Dean"s Offices, adopt the practices of innovative technologies.
December 1-4, 2009 - visit of the Spanish delegation in the framework of TEMPUS Project III pursuing paragraph 8 of the working plan "Dissemination" - the presentation "Internationalisation of Universities" made by the representatives of the University of Seville.
October 18-31, 2009 - professional retraining for the Head of the Centre of Information Technologies at School of Management (Turin, Italy).
September 27 - October 1, 2009 - XI Session of the Council of Rectors of higher educational institutions of consumer cooperatives of CIS countries.
October 18-25, 2009 - visit of vice-rector for Study and Methodical Work and dean of Economics and Management Faculty to the University of Seville for coordinating further activity and experience exchange in the field of IT.
October 1-2, 2009 - International Workshop in the framework of BRIDGE Project "Improving understanding and interaction between the EU and Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine."
September 28 - October 3, 2009 - visit of representatives of the University of Seville to disseminate the joint international project TEMPUS III, as well as to conduct seminars on quality management and automation of faculties management in universities.
August 30 - September 4, 2009 -visit of representatives of the University of Turin to BTEU to update the Web-site of the University and conduct seminars on strategic and financial planning at the University.
July 4-7, 2009 - visit of BTEU rector and vice-rector for Study and Methodical Work to the University of Seville for participation in the Coordinating Council on the project TEMPUS III.
March 23-30, 2009 - visit of BTEU staff to the University of Seville in order to study the organization of the Department of International Relations, Department of Labor, Library, university departments.
March 10-12, 2009 - visit of representatives of the University of Seville (Spain) in the framework of TEMPUS III – to BTEU in accordance with paragraph 5 of the Work Plan of TEMPUS "exchange program", "mutual learning" - a presentation on cooperation programs, student management and occupational safety BTEU.
23-25 February 2009 - visit of the Spanish delegation in the framework of TEMPUS Project III pursuing paragraph 3 of the working plan "Defining Strategic Management Plan", paragraph 6, "Updating the Web-page" and 7 "Equipment", sub-paragraph 3.1, "Strategies and options for structural and administrative changes "- to learn the structural organization of the Department of International Relations at BTEU.
Participation of the university representatives in the international project BRIDGE “Fostering mutual understanding and co-operation of the EU with Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine”, in connection with obtaining a grant for its realization.
16-18 December 2008 - Visit of the TEMPUS III participants from the Spanish side to BTEU pursuing the paragraph 2 of the Project plan "Training of instructors for the quality assurance process at EU level (according to EFQM)” - development of training materials and selection of courses, in accordance with subparagraph 2.1 of the Project Plan – Development of materials for training the instructors"- the study of the Belarusian reality.
10-13 December 2008 – First Vice-Rector Byk V.F. participated in the meeting of the League of National Unions of Organizations of Consumer Cooperatives of the CIS countries and became familiar with the system of consumer cooperatives in Moldova. (Chisinau, Moldova).
November 9-16, 2008 - teachers and students BTEU participated in the IInd Phase of the IIIrd Belarusian-Swedish project "Development of the scope of human resources in the Republic of Belarus and Sweden in order to improve business efficiency", funded by the program VISBY (Geteborg, Sweden).
In the process of realization of the IIIrd Belarusian-Swedish project, the students and teachers from BTEU delivered speeches and presentations on the following topics: "Additional vocational of adults", "Position of the Republic of Belarus in the world," “the Belarusian model of the labor market in the context of a socially oriented market economy”. During the visit, they listened to the lectures delivered by Swedish teachers, studied the experience in the field of human resource management in Swedish companies (recruitment agency «Manpower», port-harbor of Geteborg), as well as of hotel business (hotel «Gothia»).
20 - 27 October 2008 – vice-rector for Study and Methodical work Misnikova L.V. visited the University of Seville in the framework of the program TEMPUS III «Upgrading the Management at the Belarusian Trade and Economics University of Consumer Cooperatives to EU Quality standards" in the University of Seville (Spain).
During the visit to the University of Seville, meetings with the Head of the Department of International Relations, library, Department of Human Resources, etc. were organized. The administrative structure of the university was examined as well. A decision on concluding a treaty between the universities was made.
10-18 May 2008 - participation of BTEU teachers and students in educational programs "The economic system of Germany (Berlin, Germany), "The economic system of France in the EU "(Paris, France), conducted by the Center of International Relations" of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus.
During the program, BTEU teachers and students:
- Attended the High School of Agribusiness (g.Lomzha, Poland);
- Participated in an educational seminar entitled "The Features of the economic and banking system of Germany", which was a meeting-discussion with the Deputies of the Bundestag to consider the matters of economic policy in Germany;
- Got acquainted with the students’ life and the peculiarities of organization of educational process at Sorbonne (Paris, France).
21-26 April 2008 - teachers and students of the KY-Akademien vid Studium (Sweden) took part in the I phase of IIIrd Belarusian-Swedish project "Development of the field of human resources in the Republic of Belarus and Sweden in order to improve business efficiency", funded by the program VISBY. Visit to JSC "Comintern" for the analysis of personnel management at the enterprises of the Republic of Belarus; participation in the abroad seminar at heat electropower station on the topic of "Exploring business processes and personnel management system at small and medium-sized businesses in Gomel.
April 22-26, 2008 - Organization of International Spring Forum "Innovation technologies in business education with the participation of representatives of the CIS countries and from abroad. Holding of Workshop "Improving the educational process in the conditions of transition to European educational standards". Honored guests were invited - executive director of the European Retail Academy Bernd Hallier (Germany), Deputy Director of the Center of International Relations at the Public College of Baltimore County G.Bekford-Barclay (USA), professor of the Academy of Professional Education (Geteborg) K. Rundkrants (Sweden) etc. In the framework of the forum, Doctor of Sociology and Economics Jürgen Georg Hyuniken participated in the seminar "Experience of macroeconomic cooperation between Belarus and Germany", German jurist Guido Fuchs gave a lecture in English on the topic "Business Etiquette".