Introduction of dual education in higher education institutions of Moldova: Ulim’s case

Valentina Ciumacenco
PhD, Associate professor, Vice-rector for International Relations, Free International University of Moldova (ULIM), E-mail:vciumacenco@ulim.md, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4936-0659

Cite this article:

Valentina C. (2022) Introduction of dual education in higher education institutions of Moldova: Ulim’s case. Ed.: V.V. Kovalenko (ed.-in-ch.) and others [Zavprovadzhennia dualnoi osvity u VNZ Moldovy: keis Ulima; za red.: V.V. Kovalenko (gol. red.)], Scientific Bulletin of the Odessa National Economic University (ISSN 2313-4569), Odessa National Economics University, Odessa, No. 7 (296), pp. 7-11.

Abstract

The dual system of higher education, a form of study that links academic studies at higher education institutions with practical training in enterprises, has become steadily more important in recent years. Knowledge based relevant education is strategically important for the economic growth and social development of any country or region. Universities offering cooperative and work-integrated education have a comparative advantage in providing their graduates with capabilities needed on the labor market. They face the challenge to develop an internationalization strategy that reflects the practice-orientation of their study programs. This paper analyzes the approach of Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) as one of the first Moldova’s universities to integrate academic studies and work experience, under the Erasmus + COOPERA project "Integrating Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine" (ref. no. 617490-EPP-1-2020-1-MD-EPPKA2-CBHE-SP). The aim of the project is to integrate dual higher education in partner countries in general, and to improve work capacity and individual development, to increase compatibility and continuity between the requirements of the business environment and the initial training of university students and to achieve a better high economic efficiency and social integration, in particular. This paper outlines the key features of the Dual Higher Education Model (DHEM) that was developed and which will be used to pilot DHE within ULIM in the 2022 academic year.

Keywords

dual system, dual higher education model, training, employability, labor market, company, student, university.

JEL classification: I230, I250, L260; DOI: 10.32680/2409-9260-2022-7-296-7-11

UD classification: 378

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