Euro-Swiss University
The International Euro-Swiss University is about to open in Vidin by the beginning of 2006. This is a unique project that gives great opportunities to both international and Bulgarian students.
The big choice of majors and the special credit system that will be used in the university is a step forward in the Bulgarian educational system.
The headquarters of the University will be in Vidin, and there are branches in Switzerland and Germany.
It will offer full-time, part-time and distance training. It will begin operating by the second half of January 2006.
The university offers two departments in the faculty for bachelor degree- engineering and management majors. Students who wish to continue their education and get a master degree can choose between Public administration, Business administration, Rural and Green tourism Mechanical engineering, heating/ventilation, air conditioning technology, Energy saving devices, vacuum technologies. The faculty of master degree will also offer Aviation Department.
The first course for bachelors will start during the autumn of 2006. The student enrollment already started and application documents are accepted in Vidin. There is huge international interest in the University, especially from young people from Germany.
Refurbishment works are being performed at the moment (Dec 2005)
..."The building of Euro-Swiss University is being renovated with the support of The Bishopric of Vidin. This will be the main building of the University where Bulgarian and International students will be having Lectures..."
Daniela Pintova representative of the University for Vidin gave an exclusive interview:
The Euro Swiss University in Vidin is a great idea. Can you please tell us more about the project?
The university is based in Vidin, although it has branches in Germany and Switzerland. At the moment a procedure for accreditation of the University is taking place. The University will be accredited by the Bulgarian government and will be approved all over the world.
The university will work with the latest Bologna educational system. Through the European credit transfer system Bulgarian students would be able to continue or complete part of their education in Lucerne, Berlin or any other European University. The Vidin University will offer full-time, part-time and distance training. It will begin operating as of the second half of January 2006.
The establishment will have two facilities (for master and bachelor degree), four departments and 13 sections.
There will be special projects for research activities during the educational process.
The diplomas issued by the University will be recognized all over the world.
Who will conduct the lectures?
We have formed a team of Bulgarian and of course lecturers from Switzerland and Germany. The education will be mainly in Bulgarian and German!
The students will have the chance to choose between public and business administration, rural and regional tourism; navigation, management and exploitation of air transport and energy provision of air transport, heating, ventilation and AC equipment; energy efficiency of buildings; energy saving devices; vacuum process equipment and technologies.
It seem like the university will offer interesting majors, but what about the material base of the university? How are you going to guarantee the quality training programs?
The Bishopric of Vidin provided us with a wonderful building- the ex-home of the pioneers. We are now reconstructing it according to the European standards for energy effectiveness. The major fields included in the educational plan are connected with energy effectiveness. Thus the building itself will be used for the educational process. We plan to equip the building with all of the necessary installations and computers, so that the students will definitely receive a good quality education.
What about the fees. How much will the course cost?
The fees will definitely be competitive in comparison with the other private Universities in Bulgaria. However there will be a difference in the price for Bulgarians and students from other countries.
We are also thinking of special programs for scholarships for students who cannot afford the course, but possess special intellectual abilities. The Bishop of Vidin himself will assess the students who apply for the scholarship.
Is there an interest toward your educational programs? Are there any students who already submitted application documents in the university?
Yes, we already have enquiries from students from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and huge interest from young people from Germany and even China.
How are you going to solve the problem with the accommodation for the students and the Professors?
There are apartments and houses for rent in Vidin and the nearby villages, so the students and the Professors will be able to easy find a place to live. However, in the future we plan to build a student hostel in the town, so we guarantee that there won't be any problems with the accommodation for the students on budget.
We also plan to include a special section for food and beverage in the University base itself so the students can use the canteen.
Do you have any plans to cooperate with other Universities in Bulgaria?
Yes, of course. We have already signed agreements with some of the Bulgarian Universities and we hope that we work together to provide better education for our students.