First Graduating Class Makes Balkan History
There were over 350 reasons to believe in the future of Macedonia on a recent Saturday. When the first graduating class of South East European University (SEEU)—over 350 strong—tossed their caps into the warm summer air, and blue and white balloons were released against the backdrop of Mount Sharplanina, new traditions were born.
“We in the international community are heartened by the fact that so many of you young people choose a future molded by education and enlightenment,” said USAID/Macedonia Mission Director Dick Goldman, one of the keynote speakers.
This is not just any university graduating class. These students are the pioneers who enrolled in Macedonia’s bold experiment in higher education—a private, multi-national, multi-lingual university. In this small country, ethnic Albanians and ethnic Macedonians seldom share classrooms, but at SEEU, it’s standard practice.
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| SEEU celebrates success as Macedonia’s first private, multinational and multilingual university |
How it all came about is a story of vision, efficiency, donor collaboration and the refusal to accept failure.
Serious discussions about a new university in the Republic of Macedonia were held in the spring of 2000. Detailed planning began in late 2000. Building commenced in March 2001 and SEEU opened six months later with about 900 students. By October 2002 the number of students had increased to 2250, and by October 2003 the number of students increased to 3700. Currently there are 5200 enrolled students at SEEU.
SEEU is playing a leading role in the development of modern higher education in the country and in the Southern Balkans. The University is the first in the Republic of Macedonia to teach mainstream subjects in the Albanian language. However it has a policy of flexible usage of languages, providing courses also in the Macedonian language. All students learn the English language (and, optionally, French or German) to facilitate teaching in English by international and visiting academic staff. This is particularly important for those wishing to enter careers for which English is the international language of communication.
The start-up phase of SEEU’s development has been made possible through initial donations of some €36m from several donors. USAID is the largest donor having contributed some $20 million to date. Part of the US contribution is committed to a three year, USAID financed collaboration with Indiana University which supports visiting faculty and curriculum development. A follow-on project will be running for the next three years, beginning 2004/2005 academic year.
The University occupies purpose-built accommodation, including two large lecture halls, nearly 50 teaching rooms, staff offices, two state-of-the-art computer centers, a language center, a business development center, a career center, a modern library, and residential accommodation for 450 students. The University’s IT system is connected to the Internet by satellite uplink providing opportunities for video-conferencing and high-speed data transfer. Distance learning from Indiana University is common and Maastricht will begin a joint MBA degree program in September 2005.
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