Information technology is far from the only industry where KPI has flagship positions. And in some cases, they are even unique. What is evident in the example of successful cooperation with world leaders of aircraft industry - "Boeing" and "Progresstech Group of Companies". Only five years ago, these companies started close cooperation with the university on the model of dual education, having created in KPI two of its engineering centers under the program "Dynamics and strength of machines and mechanisms." In 2014, the first 47 graduates of the program were invited to work in these companies in Kyiv. Now, more than 670 engineers - graduates of KPI already work in Kyiv branches of "Boeing" and "Progresstech Group of Companies". Over the next three years, their number should exceed one thousand engineers. Despite the fact that the average age of these engineers is now no more than 28 years old, they are actually becoming the creators of the most sophisticated technology of the 21st century. It is precisely for such people to develop a new, high-tech Ukraine.
This is just one example, but we can talk about the developments in the field of biomedical engineering and the creation of new materials, the development of which is of great interest to foreign companies, including China, and much more. Almost every department of our faculties constantly produces new scientific results, which have both theoretical and applied application. Therefore, without exaggeration, it can be stated that, according to world standards, KPI is a real research university that combines its educational and scientific activities with the needs of high-tech business and actively engages its students in this cooperation. That is why KPI is not only becoming more attractive for foreigners, but also is ready to export educational and scientific services to other countries.
- Is this another direction of work for the Center for International Education?
So, having brought the organization of our international activity closer to the model, which operates the leading universities of the world, KPI goes to the level of creation of foreign affiliates and cooperation with other countries on the basis of a franchise. We are ready to provide our services in the field of education abroad and are now in the stage of implementation of a very interesting project. Representatives of the Egyptian Government have agreed with us about the establishment of a college of information technology and KPI College of Engineering at the Cairo International University to begin its work in the new capital of Egypt - New Cairo. On our Egyptian site, our teaching staff will be employed by the shift method and will be issued with a diploma of KPI. In fact, this is the export of our brand. Incidentally, this is not just about Egyptian students but, in general, about the Persian Gulf countries. Indeed, according to Egyptian expectations, KPI colleges at Cairo International University will be tremendous.
- But will it not decrease, in connection with this, the number of students from these countries here in Kyiv?
The constant introduction of new innovative technologies into the educational process and scientific researches give us a certain guarantee of a stable number of foreign students at KPI. In addition, we have an interesting experiment. Recently, on the franchise rights, our preparatory office in Istanbul has been created. However, Turkish citizens wanted to go to the preparatory office here, to us in Kyiv, willing to join the brand itself, and not, so to speak, in its "license" copy. KPI today is truly a real world brand, which provides high-quality education and confidence in getting a prestigious job.
- By the way, when it comes to Turkey, I heard that KPI has a special status there, isn't it?
Yes, exactly. Several years ago, a large amount of scientists and educators from the Turkish Republic visited us, who were so impressed with the possibilities of our university that, as a result of these visits, they issued a document proclaiming Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute as a base for the training of technical specialists for the needs of Turkey. Subsequently, this status was approved by a signed memorandum between the two governments during the official visit to the republic of Turkey by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groisman. This is a significant event that has opened up a genuine gateway of opportunities. In addition, the Turkish side sent to KPI a proposal to sign an agreement on masters training on nuclear safety and operation of nuclear power plants. This project also has all chances for successful implementation.
There are many suggestions from other countries as well. In particular, programs of dual diploma, a certain number of which have already been implemented, in particular with the universities of France, Germany, Poland, and others. It is about the training of students for fully coordinated curricula, as well as the opportunity to study for half a term in a university in another country, to receive his diploma, along with a diploma of KPI, which greatly increases the chances of a successful career. The result of the implementation of joint educational programs with leading foreign universities is the constant integration into the world educational space, raising the academic reputation of KPI abroad and, of course, increasing the number of students who come to the exchange from partner universities.
- And, finally, how would you outline the future prospects of KPI?
The University continues to improve its educational, scientific and innovation process and modernize the educational and scientific base, as well as take care of the living conditions of students and their leisure time. All this creates the aura to which the youth stretches. In addition, there are already promising "favorable corridors" for international cooperation in negotiations with the ambassadors of twenty one countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. And we expect that the positive dynamic of growth we are seeing today will continue. By the way, it should be remembered that it occurs in the context of tragic events in the East of Ukraine, that makes everything much more difficult.
Anyway, waiting for the peace to come, we hope that it will bring new opportunities to our university. And at the request of foreigners "Study in Ukraine" in search engines there will immediately be a reference to our legendary Kyiv Polytechnic.
Journalist: Vitaliy Vinogradov
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