By Stefanos Nikolaidis
OR Greece does steady steps towards the internationalization her higher educationclaiming her place in world academic map.
At the center of this effort is the organization Study in Greece (SiG)who, since its establishment the 2020has undertaken to promote coordinated and strategically the Greek universities at abroadcreating the conditions for the country to become regional education hub.
Recently, the general manager of SiG, Dr. Thodoris Papaioannourepresented her Greece at International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of US State Departmenta program that focuses on international university collaborations and her development of strategic networks.
“Greek universities became visible to the world”
“Greek universities have become known abroad in a coordinated and coordinated manner through our participation in dozens of exhibitions and conferences. Until Study in Greece, this did not exist“, he notes speaking to skai.gr Mr. Papaioannou.
As he explains, before the establishment of the organization, no Greek public university had participated in an international education fairwhere the study programs of each country for her attracting students.
Today, thanks to his action SiGh Greece has constant presence in leading exhibitions and conferenceswhile collaborating with leading international organizationssuch as Studyportalsh Keystone and the QS — companies that specialize in promoting universities and on international rankings. “We maintain the Greece page with all Greek universities on the portals of these companies. This helps decisively in the international promotion and visibility of Greek HEIs“, he emphasizes.
Progress and gaps
In spite of spectacular progressthe challenges they remain.
“We miss the offer. We didn’t have many international study programs, because the Greek language limits internationalization. We are forced to create English-language programs, as do countries with much larger populations, such as Germany or France“, he explains.
Compared to countries of similar size, such as Hungary or the Czech Republich Greece has much less English language programs and also lags in investments and infrastructures. “These countries invest much more in their international visibility, participate in more exhibitions, run bigger campaigns and have more developed services for international students“, he notes.
Crucial pointaccording to Mr. Papaioannou, is also lack of a central internationalization strategy. “Some programs, such as Medicine, have progressed, but overall the universities do not have a unified strategy. That’s the big bet».
The balance between extroversion and cultural identity
OR internationalizationas he points out, should not mean loss her Greek identity.
“The question is how we can make Greece an international educational destination without losing our linguistic and cultural identity. This is crucial, because it also concerns the rescue of our culture.”
In this context, Mr. Papaioannou points out need serious investment in Greek studies. “A national plan with a solid investment is needed. Schools, Greek study programs abroad, seats in the universities of the world. They must be made more attractive through investment – ​​there is no other way“, he says characteristically.
He also mentions the example of of Francewhere they exist rapid language learning programs for foreign studentsbefore they start studies in French universities. “Something like this could be done in Greece as well“, he adds.
From brain drain to brain gain
Despite the problems, his head SiG he sees her progress as impressive. “5 years ago we had no undergraduates in English, now we have fifteen. Over 250 master’s degrees are now in English, while the international collaborations of Greek universities have increased by 70% within 5 years».
As he says, internationalization is not only attracting foreign students, but also returning the human resources that left in previous years. “And that’s how brain drain becomes brain gain. You don’t just bring international students – you also bring back Greeks who once said “I’m up and leaving”».
Lessons from America
From his participation in IVLP, Mr. Papaioannou gained valuable know-how. “We saw how American universities develop international strategic partnerships, how they make a targeted internationalization of their campus and, above all, how they connect education and research with the labor market. It is this triptych that makes the difference».
OR coursehowever, it still is long. As he acknowledges, Greece located in embryonic stage in relation to competing countries of similar size, such as Hungary and the Czech Republicwhich succeeded within a decade to be considered calculable forces at international education.
“It requires coordination, strategy, specific targeting and targeted movements. If we move in this way, internationalization in Greece has all the foundations to succeed. Why our country is attractive in itself — not just for its infrastructure, but for its lifestyle, culture, climate and values».
Source: Skai
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