In this context, and following an invitation from the American embassy in Greece, Jennifer Evanuik, an expert on internationalization issues in higher education in the USA, was in the country in the past few days and visited Greek universities, with the aim of discussing the possibility of partnerships.
“My first impression following visiting Greek universities is that I was very impressed by the quality and academic breadth in the country. My visit aimed to find out regarding the type of cooperation that each university is interested in. The representatives of the Greek institutions are interested in joint research programs, student exchanges, with an emphasis on the visit of Greek students to American partner universities as well as distance learning, a practice that does not have a high cost and is particularly popular in the USA as well”, he says in ” Free press”.
Mrs. Evanuik’s visit is a continuation of the first flagship visit of representatives from 30 US universities in 2022 to Greece. Then the contacts between the two sides were built and the first partnerships emerged and the aim is to continue exploring new possibilities. Mrs. Evanuik visited, among others, the National Technical University of Metsovia, the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Patras, the Hellenic Open University and the University of Thrace.
The American side wishes to strengthen the exchange of students with the arrival of American students in Greece, to participate in short programs of Greek universities. “It might be a semester or even less, as in recent years the trend is for students to study for a short time in other institutions in the world,” he notes.
Of course, as he underlines, this is not the only way for collaborations. “American universities might also accept Greek students for studies or for internships in research, conducting joint lectures, hosting symposia and developing joint programs,” he says.
Also known as “joint degrees”, double degrees are a type of cooperation that Greek universities are “pursuing”, as based in Greece, students will be able to obtain a degree from two universities. The Ministry of Education is already promoting a provision for the financing of these partnerships from the Recovery Fund with 60 million euros.
“Although each American university operates autonomously following its own strategy, it is very common to build relationships with international partners.” She has extensive experience in international education at American universities such as Georgia Tech, Davidson College and Providence Day School and an active role in the Forum on Education Abroad and the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Positive studies and Archaeology
Are there scientific subjects that American universities are more interested in? Ms. Evanuik says yes, but notes that there is such a wide range of studies being developed by academics on both sides that the possibilities for partnerships are much wider than we imagine.
“From my personal experience with the universities I have worked with, I know that there has been a lot of interest in the fields of Positive Studies and Engineering in Greece. Of course the country is also famous for its classical studies as well as Archaeology. However, we must recognize the range of studies that are being developed in Greece. In the USA they have 4,000 universities, here obviously much less, but the academic goals converge. Of course there is also the power of research, which is being conducted in many parts of the country.
NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES
“It will significantly change the landscape in the country”
Mrs. Evanuik’s visit to Greece coincides with the debate in Parliament on the bill that provides for the establishment of non-state universities in the country. “It is a very interesting period for Higher Education in Greece. This will significantly change the landscape in the country”, he comments.
As for the possibility of an American university investing in Greece to open a non-governmental non-profit branch, as provided for in the bill, her attitude is cautious.
“I might not speak for American universities, as each one follows its own strategy and will consider the parameters.
I can say, however, that from my own experience, American Foundations place more emphasis on partnerships than on their presence in foreign countries. Of course, this does not mean that an individual institution would not proceed with such a move. But the trend in the US is to recognize the power of our partnerships, with the goal of mutual benefit.
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