22 May 2013
3 month programme of studying English for BSTU academics in Makerere University, Uganda
On May 19, 2013 the executive director of EEUA arrived in Uganda with a group of BSTU academics in order to implement a very interesting and outstanding project between 2 prominent universities: Belgorod State Technical University in Russia and Makerere University in Uganda. Established in 1922 Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa. BSTU by-turn is one of the leading universities in Russia concerning education of foreign students.
The main idea of the project is to enhance the level of education of foreign students in both universities by inviting teaching staff from the partner university in order to promote exchange of expertise and experience on pedagogical methods.
The unique feature of this project is that during 3 months the BSTU lecturers will be learning the English language in an English speaking environment and consequently will apply this knowledge in teaching foreign students in their home country. The Russian academics will be attending classes in order to sample additional knowledge on the use of special English terminology in their particular field, as well as sharing their own experience.
In other words, BSTU teaching staff will study and observe international practices in education, share professional expertise with educators and students in the host country, develop leadership skills and understanding of educational policy and enhance their ability to work in diverse and multicultural environments.
Upon returning to Russia they will be expected to share the knowledge and experience gained on the programme with teachers and students in Belgorod State Technical University and within their communities.
At the same time, this will be an excellent opportunity for the lecturers to combine business with pleasure and visit the popular local sightseeing spots such as fabulous Lake Viktoria, famous Source of the Nile, recently created Bwindi Impenetrable National Park etc.
All in all, we may conclude that not only will this project have significant positive impact on the development and improvement of foreign student teaching practices in BSTU, but it will greatly contribute to the cooperation between the 2 universities in academic exchange of students and teaching staff, various grants, internships and joint research programmes. EEUA strongly believes that as a result new specialties will be opened for foreign students in English medium.