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>>Our Publications | The Statement by the Russian ENIC at the 10th Joint Meeting of the ENIC and NARIC Networks
ENIC NETWORK (COUNCIL OF EUROPE/UNESCO)
NARIC NETWORK (EUROPEAN COMMISSION)
ED-2003/UNESCO-CEPES/ENIC.10/12
DGIV/EDU/HE (2003) 17
DG/EAC/NARIC/03-....
Bucharest/Strasbourg/Bruxelles, 1 July 2003
Orig. Eng.
10th Joint Meeting of the ENIC and NARIC Networks
Vaduz (Liechtenstein), 18-20 May 2003
Department of Higher Education - Liechtensteinisches Schulamt
MEETING REPORT
APPENDIX III
The Statement by the Russian ENIC
In Russia the process of integration and reformation of higher education, based on principles of the Bologna Declaration is being observed with great interest.
In the past years Russian education has gained high dynamics of development in the course of global and European trends. The following new developments are a serious evidence of these trends: the introduction of state leaving examinations, steady strive for providing equal opportunity in obtaining higher education by any individual, highly increased independency of the education institutions.
Russian education is at the doors of new important developments. Some of them are still in the discussion process, whereas, at the same time, some new specific methods are already being chosen to be implemented. Let me list some of them: the new system of knowledge and workload assessment based on the ECTS; strong reinforcement of quality assurance in education; modern types of state financial support, including student loans; 12-years schooling. Earlier in the past decade implementation of two-tier degree structure in HE has been launched.
The goals outlined by Russia for the year 2010 in terms of the Concept of Education Modernization were determined in 2001, independently from the Bologna Declaration. They were formulated in the way that their actualization would allow Russian education to become even more modern. These goals have either coincided in several main points with objectives of the Bologna process or resulted to be close to them. The coincidence in terms and timing of the Russian education modernization and formation of the European HE Area and the similarities in contents - are serious reasons for rapid movement of Russian education towards the Bologna process.
Let me note that Russian education, by its nature, is one of the most sensitive areas of our culture to the improvements and new ideas. Besides that, in our society European values are dominant and the youth is treasuring them in accordance with its inner orientations. Based on these grounds, further integration with Europe in education area is a realistic goal.
Quite an important step in integration of Russian education with other European education systems became joining to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the creation of the Russian ENIC and its active participation in the ENIC/NARIC Networks.
At the mean time, the parameters of development, outlined by the Bologna process, are being carefully studied in Russia. Practical applications of their implementation in our education are being carefully examined. In order to achieve these goals an International Seminar was held in St. Petersburg State University last year. Representatives of the UNESCO-CEPES, the Council of Europe, European student organizations, members of the Bologna Preparatory Group and international experts were presented at the Seminar. From the Russian side there were following present: rectors of the top universities, the Minister of Education V. Filippov, as well as the leaders of Committees on Culture, Education and Science of both Chambers of the Parliament, and various Russian experts.
First, the idea of Russia's integration to the Bologna process has been discussed. The main question addressed was "whether integration responds to the interests and needs of the Russian education?" After hours of debates and discussions an important conclusion has been made: "Yes". Another important result of the Seminar was the proposal to the Ministry to organize a Working Group for analysis of the Bologna process. Shortly after the Seminar the Working Group has started its work. The head of the Russian ENIC is a member of the Group.
During the last years Russian mass media has been widely covering the meaning and the content of the Bologna process. A number of national seminars devoted to the Bologna process were held, followed by publication of documents and materials explaining the concepts of the process. Other publications on this issue are currently in releasing stage. Members of the Working Grope are making important contributions to this activity, which reflects high interest of our academic community towards the Bologna process.
The next International seminar on this issue is scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg State University on October 31 of this year. New possibilities for Russian education - the Bologna process relationships in view of Berlin Conference decisions will be observed. The dates of another International seminar in Moscow aiming to present Russian education and to discuss recognition issues of the Bologna process are under consideration.
Russian ENIC is hoping that Russian education will get support from individual ENICs and NARICs in its urge for joining the Bologna process. We also hope to get support from the Intergovernmental Committee for the Lisbon Convention, Co-Secretariats for the ENIC and NARIC Networks: UNESCO-CEPES, the Council of Europe and the HE unit of the European Commission, and also from the part of the European University Association and other European organizations.
Gennady LUKICHEV DIRECTOR of Russian ENIC
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