What influence does the education of foreign students have on the economy and image of Ukraine? Why do foreign students choose Ukraine for education? What is needed to promote education opportunities in Ukraine among foreigners? This was discussed by the Director of the Ukrainian State Center for International Education (“Study in Ukraine”) Dr. Olena Shapovalova on the air of the Parliamentary TV channel “Rada” on November 9, 2021.

“International students choose Ukraine, first and foremost because of the quality of education and recognition of diplomas at home or abroad. And we are very pleased that Ukrainian higher education helps graduates to become successful and self-actualize.” – noted Dr. Olena Shapovalova.

According to Dr. Olena Shapovalova, there are many government officials, representatives of the scientific community and business among the citizens of foreign countries who were educated in Ukraine.

“For the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, the “Study in Ukraine” team has prepared a special project dedicated to well-known foreign graduates of Ukrainian higher education institutions. These are 30 stories of foreign students who became famous and successful after graduating from Ukrainian universities. Among them are: the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodzhiddin Mukhriddin, the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage of Kenya Mohamed Amina, the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (Nigeria) and other famous persons.” – said Dr. Olena Shapovalova.

Dr. Olena Shapovalova explained that foreign students can learn about the conditions of admission, the list of higher education institutions that are ready to recruit foreigners for study and other useful information on the “Study in Ukraine” website (https://studyinukraine.gov.ua), as well as on the Ukraine.ua portal and the websites of foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine. She also spoke about the admission process, visa and migration procedures for foreign students.

“We greatly value the fact that more than 75,000 students from 155 countries are studying in Ukraine. After all, the education of foreign students is recognition of Ukrainian education, the image of Ukraine and an investment in the economy.” – noted Dr. Olena Shapovalova.

According to the estimates of “Study in Ukraine”, a foreign student, while studying in Ukraine, spends at least 6-8 thousand US dollars annually. The overall cost of education, accommodation, insurance, paperwork, food, transportation and other needs reached more than 570 million US dollars. If the average duration of study is 5-6 years, then in total Ukraine’s income from foreign students for this period is more than 3 billion US dollars.

Dr. Olena Shapovalova assured that Ukraine is creating conditions for there to be more foreign students in Ukrainian universities. Among them is the Action Plan to promote opportunities for higher education in Ukraine for foreign students, which was developed in accordance with the Order of the President of Ukraine №210/2020 “On Improving Higher Education in Ukraine” and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on April 21, 2021.

“This is the first time in the history of independent Ukraine that we have a plan to promote Ukrainian higher education for foreigners. It includes a number of measures aimed at attracting more foreign students to Ukrainian universities. Among them: conducting a marketing study of the attractiveness of Ukrainian education, holding the Ukrainian International Education Forum, “Study in Ukraine” exhibitions abroad.” – said Dr. Olena Shapovalova.

Among other conditions – the development of amendments to the law by deputies, which would allow students to study in their native language.

On November 9, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:00, the XXI All-Ukrainian Radio Dictation of National Unity will take place. It will be broadcast on all platforms of Public Broadcasting (https://kh.suspilne.media/articles/12581). The event traditionally takes place on the Ukrainian Literature and Language Day – November 9.

The Radio Dictation of National Unity is an annual event initiated and held by Ukrainian Radio. The first radio dictation took place in 2000. Currently, it is a large-scale national flash mob that promotes the Ukrainian language and literacy, with thousands of people taking part in Ukraine and abroad.

The essence of the event is that a large number of people write a dictation simultaneously. The dictation consists of 100-120 words. The text for it is specifically ordered. This year, the author and the reader of the text is the Ukrainian writer Yuriy Andrukhovych.

The finished dictation can be sent within a day. The text of the all-Ukrainian dictation will be published on the Ukrainian Radio website on November 11 at 11:00.

The paper letter should be sent to the address: Kyiv, 26 Khreshchatyk St., 01001. It is important that the stamp for the date of dispatch is no later than November 10. You can send your work online to rd@ukr.radio. E-mails will not be accepted after the dictation is published.

The submitted works will be reviewed by a special commission. Authors of error-free works will receive gifts from the project’s partners. The results will be announced within 1-2 months.

Amendments to the order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine № 1541, which determines the procedure for recruitment and training (internship) of foreigners and stateless persons, namely the extension until December 15, 2021 of admission for foreigners to study, will soon be registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Only after the promulgation of the order registered with the Ministry of Justice, the relevant changes to extend the deadline until December 15, 2021 will take effect.

This prolongation is due to the spread of acute respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

“These amendments to Order №1541 were supported by the Board of the Ministry of Education and Science, they were publicly discussed and signed by the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Mr. Serhiy Shkarlet. Since October, the document is in the process of approval by other Central Executive Bodies”, – Olena Shapovalova said.

Thus, in accordance with the Decision of the Board of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine of May 27, 2021, where Olena Shapovalova took the initiative, it is determined to amend the documents governing the entry of foreigners and stateless persons to study in Ukraine, providing for extension degrees of junior bachelor, bachelor, master in 2021 until December 15.

“I thank the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for supporting our initiative to extend the terms of entry of foreigners until December 15 this year. This opens opportunities for several thousand foreign students seeking to obtain higher education in Ukraine, to come to us to study this year! “, – said Olena Shapovalova.

On October 28-29, 2021 H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University is hosting an international scientific-practical seminar “Internationalization of Higher Education in Ukraine: European Context and Domestic Practices”.

Director of the Ukrainian Center for International Education Dr. Olena Shapovalova spoke at the opening of the seminar. She greeted all participants of the seminar and thanked the organizers, presented the participants with relevant statistics on invitations for study in Ukrainian higher education institutions, spoke about new approaches to the organization of education of foreign students. Dr. Olena Shapovalova paid special attention to the process of issuing invitations and the responsibility of universities.

“The admission campaign for foreign students is underway. Therefore, I would like to emphasize the importance of conducting interviews before issuing an invitation and the responsibility that lies with the university regarding this matter” – said the Director of “Study in Ukraine” Dr. Olena Shapovalova.

During the seminar, participants had the opportunity to learn about the best international and domestic practices of organizing education for foreign students, international activities and cooperation of higher education institutions in Ukraine and other countries.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ukrainian State Center for International Education, the Council of Young Scientists at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Department of Science and Education of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, ICF “International Foundation for Educational Policy Research”, Faculty of Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw and NGO “Innovative University”.

Best international and domestic practices of organizing education for foreign students, international activities and cooperation of universities – all this will be discussed during the international scientific-practical seminar “Internationalization of higher education in Ukraine: European context and domestic practices”. The event will take place at H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University on October 28-29, 2021.

The seminar will be useful for representatives of higher education institutions, research institutions, professional and public associations, non-formal education institutions interested in the internationalization of higher education.

 

Among the topics of panel meetings are:
1. Internationalization of Ukrainian education and science: challenges and prospects;
2. The role of international activities and cooperation in the future of Ukraine;
3. Experience in implementing international education programs in Ukrainian universities;
4. Intercultural and educational centers as a tool for building sustainable partnerships.

Participants will receive a certificate, as well as a collection of seminar materials.

Application for participation can be found at the link.

The event is organized by the Ukrainian State Center for International Education, with the participation and support of the Council of Young Scientists at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, ICF “International Foundation for Education Policy Research”, Faculty of Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw and public organization “Innovative University”.

October 14 is celebrated in Ukraine as the Defenders of Ukraine Day.

This national holiday preserves the rich and glorious traditions of the Ukrainian people, embodies the courage and heroism of the defenders and liberators of their native land. The Defenders of Ukraine Day embodies our unchanging values: love for the Homeland, readiness to defend one’s country, to protect its interests.

The holiday began being celebrated at the state level only in 2014, but it retains the history of many centuries. The date of October 14 was not chosen by accident, it is on this day that a great Orthodox holiday is celebrated – the Intercession of the Theotokos. She was considered to be the patron of the Ukrainian Cossacks, giving them inspiration and strength in battle. The Ukrainian Cossacks have always been and remain a symbol of courage, strength of national character, steadfastness of faith and spirit. Also, this day marks the creation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

On the occasion of the holiday, congratulations to all who have the high title of Defender of Ukraine!

The “Making of the Ukrainian Nation” Museum is the first innovative museum of history in Ukraine, where the past is combined with modern technologies.

By visiting it, you can in one and a half to two hours get acquainted with the main events in the history of our country, see 25 story compositions, as well as meet the most famous statesmen of different times – from the founders of Kyiv, to modern-day famous individuals.

The 3D figures of prominent individuals impress with their realism: kings and hetmans, soldiers and scientists, artists and athletes. Individual figures wink and smile.

Each installation is accompanied by interactive audio and video content combined with special effects, which immerses the visitor in the atmosphere of the era.

The media guide is available in 8 languages: Ukrainian, English, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Polish and German.

The museum is located in Kyiv at Lavrska St. 27. It is situated behind the Motherland monument in the main building of the National Museum of History of Ukraine in World War II. The museum is open daily, without breaks or days off.

Detailed information – on the website https://www.museumsun.org

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv were included in the list of the best institutions of higher education in terms of employment opportunities for graduates. This is stated in a study published by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds. (https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/employability-rankings/2022)

Thus, Kyiv Polytechnic Institute was ranked in the range of 501+, and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv took a position in the range of 301-500.

A total of 550 higher education institutions from around the world were included in the ranking.

Reference:
QS Graduate Employability Rankings is a ranking of the world’s best universities by the International Higher Education Analytical Agency QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Universities are included in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings based on the possibility of employment of students after graduation. During its compilation, the following is taken into account:
• availability of partnerships with employers (including internships);
• number of leaders in certain fields among graduates;
• frequency of employer presence on campus;
• the level of employment of graduates, considering the location of the university.

The team of experts of the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine, consisting of Zhanna TALANOVA, expert on analytical issues, coordinator of the National Team of Experts on Higher Education Reform, Kateryna ZHDANOVA, expert on communications and mobility programs, registration of the organization’s profile, and Petro KRAYNIK, expert in the Jean Monnet field, on the registration of ITH (International Technical Help) projects, monitored the project implementation.

The monitoring consisted of several sessions. The event was attended by both, the leadership of Ukrainian partners, and the members of project groups.

On October 3-6, the participants of the INTERADIS Project Coordination Committee were hospitably received by Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University.

The first offline study visit to the European partner of the INTERADIS project – Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania) will take place quite soon as well.

Autumn is generous with events. To be continued …

The Director of the Ukrainian State Center for International Education, Dr. Olena Shapovalova has been awarded the “Excellence in Education” badge
 

“I am sincerely grateful for the high evaluation of our work. This is extremely valuable to me. Together with the “Study in Ukraine” team, we will make every effort to build up the image of Ukraine” – noted Dr. Olena Shapovalova.
 
In addition, diplomas and appreciation letters from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine were received by the following employees of “Study in Ukraine”:
 
• Boiko Olha Olehivna, Deputy Director for International Cooperation
• Sulyma Olena Ivanivna, Deputy Director
• Zhul Bohdana Serhiyivna, Human Resources Representative
• Sydorets Zoriana Yevgenivna, Category I Specialist of the Department of International Cooperation
• Sikorska Iryna Stanislavivna, Legal Adviser
• Shulga Valentyna Mykolayivna, Head of the Department of International Cooperation.
 
Also, on the occasion of the Education Worker’s Day at “Study in Ukraine”, Dr. Olena Shapovalova congratulated her colleagues on their professional holiday and presented awards to the employees.
 

“Thank you to each of you, dear colleagues, for working together to make our country successful, and known around the world. There are still a lot of challenges and work ahead, but I am sure that together we will be able to do anything. Everything will be Study in Ukraine!” – emphasized Dr. Olena Shapovalova.