Yakut State University was well-known in Russia. But now, University becomes well-known around the world, declaring itself as competitive higher education institution and the reliable partner. We talk about with Evgenia Mikhailova, the rector of NEFU.
- We visited one the best universities –The University of Cambridge. Of course, we had doubts. We had a great desire to see and to estimate quality of education.
- Of course, we prepared for the meeting carefully. But when we met withBritish Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, we had to reorient quickly. We wanted to interest him not only by plans and tasks, but something extraordinary. I started telling about two Polish Scientists –Waclaw Sieroszewski and Eduard Pekarski – they are a great value for Sakha people. Waclaw Sieroszewski is the author of unique book – “The Yakuts”, and Eduard Pekarsky is the author of dictionary. I don’t know as it turned out, but his eyes became warmer, I felt sincere interest.
- Cambridge University is one of the best universities around the world. There is much to see and learn. What can NEFU offer?
- During our meeting, we discussed a wide range of possible cooperation - from the exchange of students and faculty to conduct joint scientific research projects.Mr. Borysiewicz found out our university and he studied our proposal, he approved perspective directions of cooperation between universities, praised the transformationsof NEFU, and he expressed confidence that the cooperation could be effective and useful for both sides.
It is noteworthy, that the Deputy Director of the Institute of Polar Research, Piers Vitebsky studied history and anthropology in Yakutia. And now he will coordinate joint projects with NEFU.
We went on the excursion to the Museum of the Institute of Polar Research – it is unique cultural center of the University, the Institute's library, containing rich archive of scientific and journalistic literature and periodicals. Surprisingly, there werea lot of books from Yakutia. We found the article by the vice-chancellor of our university in humanities direction Burtsev Anatoly. In return, Anatoly Alekseevich gave his other works, and also presented memorial sign to Piers Vitebsky in appreciation for his contribution to the development of science in the Republic.
There is perspective directionof cooperation. We want to work together with the Research Institute of BP (British Petroleum). Spokesperson, Dr. Adam Woods expressed interest in research projects in production of hydrocarbon resources. Basis of the projects consist of improving of new methods the development of fields to ensure the protection of the environment.The first vice-chancellor for educational and scientific work, Vasily Vasilyev noted that start of such cooperation is advisable to allocate a specific group of researchers NEFU that would specifically work with the Institute of BP. Also we negotiated about the training and education for masters and graduate students at Cambridge University for a special program.
- Tell us about the visit of the delegation NEFU in Dalian, please.
- We visited the Dalian University of Technology, and we met with the leadership and teaching staff of the University, we discussed about cooperation, and we signed agreement between the two universities.
- What does this agreement mean to us?
- In the first, we want to exchange of students, graduate students and faculty, and secondly, - the exchange of experience in the organization and methods of teaching, educational technologies and teaching materials. In addition, we plan to attract the attention of students, masters and graduate students in research work on the priority directions of fundamental and applied scientific researches, and also we plan to hold joint conferences and seminars.
- The Dalian University of Technology is one of the best universities in the country and the world. It is one of the ten prestigious universities in China. Specialists of economic and social spheres are trained in this university.
There are 19 scientific schools, 54 Bachelor Degree Programs, 147 master's programs and 107 doctoral degreesprograms in theDalian University of Technology.
- Besides the Dalian University of Technology, you visited and Medical University.
- Yes, we signed the memorandum of cooperation with Dalian Medical University. This memorandum provides for joint research and academic activities, exchange programs of students and staff of both universities.
- Also you have visited the Republic of Korea.
- We signed an agreement with Hankuk (Korean) University of Foreign Studies, which provides cooperation in education, research and cultural activities. Also Hankuk University will take part in a large-scale research project "Foresight of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)" to a comprehensive study of the social and economic, demographic, social and cultural development of the country.
The group of teachers of the Medical Institute was trained in the simulation center of the Higher School of Pusan National University in February.
Training combined with practical exercises. There are medical simulators for acquiring skills.
It is pleasant that our teachers, particularly N.M.Gogolev demonstrated excellent skills. He dealt with the following tasks and approved by Korean colleagues. He made the diagnosis and "saved" the patient.
We should use this potential. Now we have task of organizing the same conditions for our students. It is one of the directions of NEFU. Another - research. Both directions aimed at improving the quality of life for the Yakuts people and the Far East inhabitants - to improve health.
For example, we are developing the project code-named "From the very beginning." It provides for the care about health of the parents, and then their children. Future doctors - students and teachers with regional and urban hospitals will work with pregnant women, families.
- Experience is huge. Did the students enjoy and appreciate?
- Sure. We begin to pay more attention not only to the educational process, and we take care about student’s health and leisure. We try to interest students not like before - to 3 pm, to 8 pm. We conduct additional classes and sports sections. We want that students spend more time at the university;we organize discoes and work of the internet cafe. Good posture, sense of humor, judgment, competent speech, goodwill, responsibility for their actions and words - these qualities distinguish professional from anywhere. We want to bring up good people. Our service works effectively mentors and facilitators. We organize the work of the construction teams in summer. Our university will be space filled with kindness, love and positive emotions. For education in the new century, it is not a luxury, but it is necessity!
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