EDUCATION FOR LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD

EDUCATION FOR LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD

Dr. Xenia Kisselincheva talks to Prof. Helmut Schweiger from
City University, Seattle – Washington

City University, Seattle - Washington has distinguished itself as a leader in graduate and post-graduate education for nearly a quarter of a century. According to recent surveys conducted by the AACSB, City University ranks fifth among the universities with the largest MBA enrollments in North America. Its diplomas and certificates are recognized all over the world.

“Prof. Schweiger, what makes your business and management programs so attractive for an increasing number of students, both in the US and worldwide?”

“The programs we offer are progressive and innovative, since they are created and updated with input from leading corporate experience of such companies as the Boeing Company, US West Communications Inc and the Microsoft Corporation. They incorporate cutting-edge concepts as strategic systems, business ethics and business and the environment. We aim at equipping our students only with the most current management principles and strategies, relevant to the ever-changing local force and global economy. Consequently, City University business graduates are not only prepared to understand established business practices, but to anticipate and respond to future trends as well.

“How did the idea of assisted-distance learning evolve within the specific educational strategies of City University?”

“From the start, City University has focused on making education accessible, relevant and affordable. To accommodate the schedules of working adults, way back in the 70’s, it held classes only on evenings and weekends and at multiple locations, a rare practice of higher education at the time. Some classes were even taught on a ferry boat during the 90 minute morning commute from Bremerton to Seattle. City College, as City University was initially called, did something else, which was innovative-it advertised its programs through direct mail, newspapers, TV and radio commercials. Large local companies such as Boeing and Weyerhaeuser called on the college to conduct business seminars in-house for employees. The university grew and expanded thanks to its flexible, practical approach to education. The stage was being set for much wider recognition.”

“So, the idea of assisted-distance learning grew naturally out of the university’s philosophy, taking advantage of the miraculous opportunities, created by high information technologies?”

“That’s right. We did not waste time to grasp the new and vast opportunities, opened by technological innovation. Assisted distance learning is specifically targeted at working adults, highly motivated to learn, but in the past cut off from conventional forms of tuition, because of tight working schedules, family responsibilities or distance from instructional sites. The University takes care of the training of 2000 employees from Boeing and 3000 employees from Microsoft.  By the 80’s, City College expanded further not only beyond Washington state and all over North America, but on an international scale. Its academic community presently comprises a highly qualified faculty and highly motivated students, of an average age of 37, from 75 countries worldwide, China, Canada and Egypt among them.”

“How about the response to your assisted distance learning programs in Europe?

“We have enjoyed a fast-growing response to our programs in EU countries like Germany and Switzerland. Students have earned their bachelors or Masters degrees, while pursuing their career in national and international organizations. Since 1991, we have launched MBA and BBA programs in three campuses in Slovakia. Over 1200 students have enrolled so far and the program has been recognized by the Slovak Parliament as the first legitimate foreign university in the country. Some of our graduates, who occupy key top management positions, are already putting into practice the acquired knowledge and skills to the benefit of their country’s faster transition to a market economy.”

“Could you say a few words about your MBA program, presently being launched in Bulgaria? What could be the short-term and long-term effects of its successful implementation?”

“The Executive MBA program, which is offered, is the first reputable American program of its kind, offered in Bulgaria. It is designed for individuals who aspire to be promoted as leaders within companies, large state or government organizations. By using the case-study method, it draws on the most vibrant professional experience in the respective field. It will help them streamline their businesses along more competitive lines, thus accelerating the process of their integration into the global market. On the other hand, Bulgaria will attract more foreign entrepreneurs and investors by providing reliable local professionals, who are fully aware of local character and peculiarities and who can be very helpful in making Western projects work in an alien and complex environment.”

“Could you mention a few more advantages of your assisted-distance learning program, which has already provoked a lively response from professionals of all ages and various walks of life?”

“The Executive MBA program consists of three modules-Management, Marketing and Financial Management, each module, in its turn, consisting of five courses. The tuition can be completed in 18 months, holidays included. The students have full access to the university’s electronic library and the chance of interacting with instructors of excellent academic credentials and valuable professional expertise. The diplomas are recognized and well-received in all UNESCO countries, an advantage, enjoyed by only 45 universities worldwide, also members of the International Council for Open and Distance Education. We have done our best to make the course more affordable, the tuition fee amounts to US $ 4,500, compared to us $ 6,000 in Slovakia and US $ 20,000 in the US. Moreover, we are not competitive with the existing educational institutions in the country, we are only complementary to the spectrum of variety on the educational scene, offering something radically new and unique in both form and content.”

Sofia Western News Monthly, 1999