Scholars form Ternopil State Medical University trained at Schiller International University (Germany)

From 15.07.2016 to 27.07.2016 a faculty delegation from Ternopil State Medical University trained at Schiller International University (Heidelberg, Germany).  Assistant professor of medical biology Tetiana Bihunyak and associate professor of bioethics and medical ethics Tetiana Tolokova participated in the Program ” The educational process, modern teaching methods and organization of research: the experience of Schiller International University.”

Associate Professor T. Tolokova, Dean Dr. Nicolle Macho, Associate Professor T. Bihunyak

The purpose of the training was to increase cross-cultural scientific communication, introduce scientists to modern methods of research and analysis at Schiller International University, to compare it with the experience of Ukrainian universities, to implement international experience in higher education of Ukraine.

The intership consisted of 112 hours of training where participants studied organization of educational process in Europe, and academic process at Schiller International University. In particular they learned about the use required and optional courses in training of students, course selection, the system of course registration, approaches for developing study programs, programs leading to a double degree, methods of teaching, exam system, assessment of knowledge, and approaches to monitoring learning that focus on improving students’ practical skills and quality of vocational education.

The delegation of scholars from Ukraine with the rector Schiller International University in Heidelberg

Schiller International University was founded in 1964 as Schiller College by Dr. Walter Leibrecht who graduated from Harvard University and served as bishop. The school is named after the German poet playwright Johann Friedrich von Schiller. Today the Schiller International University is an American university with campuses in the United States (Florida), UK (London), France (Paris, Strasburg), Germany (Heidelberg), and Spain (Madrid), which enrolls 20,000 students from more than 100 countries (over 2/3 of them are from US and UK).

The official language of study at Schiller International University in all countries is English, and upon graduation students receive an American diploma of higher education. The Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees are recognized in 45 countries of the Bologna Agreement and the United States. Students at any campus Madrid, Paris, Heidelberg or Florida) automatically receive a diploma of the University of Roehampton, UK.

The main study programs at Schiller International University are those leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as international business, international relations and diplomacy, economics, interdisciplinary research, management, information technology, international tourism management and others.

Campus of International Schiller University in Heidelberg (Germany)

To get accepted, prospective students need to have secondary / higher education and demonstrate English language proficiency (TOEFL 500-550). The American curriculum at Schiller International University corresponds to the academic system adopted in the US. The school year consists of fall and spring terms (each lasting 15 weeks) and summer term (7 weeks). Students study six courses (subjects) for the full term and 3 during the summer term. One course takes a month to study, the smallest number of students per course is 4. The students study from Monday to Thursday, 3 hours per day. Each course consists of least 6 lectures, the rest are practical classes and independent individual work. The university has a website, where all materials related to the educational process (work programs, schedules, announcements, etc.) can be accessed, as well as a research library, equipped with photocopying services, Internet and more.

At the university library

After completing the course,  students defend a term paper, which is prepared under supervision of assigned professor. In evaluating the written work its content, grammar, literature sources, citations, and tardiness are taken into account. All intermediate and final examinations are written ones, and within 48 hours after the exam the student can find out their grade on the University’s Blackboard system (e-assessment and register). If the student did not show, was late or did not pass the exam, to receive the grade he must take the course and pay the fee again. Retaking exams is not allowed.

There is also a distance learning program available for 10 courses, but in total the distance should not exceed 25% of student learning. The distance learning is available on Bachelor’s programs in International Business (BA), International Tourism (BS), International Relations and Diplomacy (BA) and Interdisciplinary Studies (BA). Each student is studying two foreign languages, which greatly increases the chances of getting a job on international market.

Some students apply and, if the administration approves, receive a scholarship, the amount of which depends on the academic excellence.

The internship included through lectures, interactive learning in small groups, round tables, seminars. Participants also learned about living conditions in student dormitories of the institution.

The dormitories

In Ukraine, the latest academic methods are only being adapted and there is a need further improvement, critical analysis and implementation of experience of leading European countries. Given that about 1.500 foreign students from 57 countries study at Ternopil State Medical University it is important to learn about international standards of education, cross-cultural differences of American and European students, and motivational aspects of European educational process.

The organizing committee allowed the participants an opportunity to visit some historical monuments in Europe.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Belgian National Scientific Library of the city of Brussels