1. General Information

The government, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign affairs, the National Academy of Sciences and the State University of San-Francisco (USA) founded the International University of Kyrgyzstan. The University was established according to Presidential Decree dated 11 March 1993 and respective Governmental Resolution. It has a status of international higher education institution that is reportable to the Government of Kyrgyzstan.

2. Overview

The Education, scientific and production complex called the International University (ESPC IUK) has:

1. The Faculty of Social Humanities and Natural Scientific Disciplines,
(1st level of higher education, 2-year education program).

2. Higher Schools and Institutes under the International University of Kyrgyzstan

(2nd level of higher education, 2-3-year education program):
2.1. The Higher School of Diplomacy and International Law (The HSDIL);
2.2. The Higher School of Economy and Business (The HSEB);
2.3. The Higher School of New Information Technologies (The HSNIT);
2.4. The Higher School of Ecology and Biotechnology (The HSEB).
2.5.The Higher School of State and Public Administration (The HSSPA);
2.6. The Institute of Foreign Languages (The IFL)
2.7. The Institute of Multimedia Tutorials (The IMT)
2.8. The Institute of International Electronic Trade (The IIET)
2.9. The Institute of International Business (The IIB)
2.9.The Kyrgyz-Russian Institute of Distance Education (The KRIDE).
2.10. The Kyrgyz-Indian Institute of Distance Education (The KIIDE).
2.11. The Central Asian Multimedia Center (The CAMC).

3. The Higher School of Masters (3rd level of higher education, 2-year education program in the following directions: Law, Economy, Informatics and Computers, System Analysis and Management, Ecology and Nature Management)

4. Education Divisions:

4.1. The IUK affiliations in Karakol, Osh, Jalal-Abad cities.
4.2. The Bishkek Polytechnic College (The BPC).
4.3. The Bishkek General Secondary College (The BGSC).
4.4. Lyceums (Technical-Vocational Schools) ? 10, ? 100 of Bishkek City.

5. Scientific-Research Institutes:

5.1. The International Mine Instititute (in association with the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan)
5.2. The Scientific-Research Institute of International Researches.
5.3. The Scientific-Research Institute of Human Ecology.
5.4. The Scientific-Research Institute of Ethnology.
5.5. The Scientific-Research Institute of Mountain Regions Economy.

6. The Focal-point of UNESCO Education Information Technology Institute
7. The European Resources Center
8. The American Resources Center of Higher Education

Students Enrolment: 1,400 (enrolments of affiliations, colleges and technical-vocational lyceums are excluded)
Total Students Enrolment of the ESPC IUK: over 4,500.
Academic Staff: 113 full-time and 46 joint-appointments.
(2 Academicians, 10 Doctors, 48 PHDs, 9 professors, 35 docents).
Scientific-research and administrative personnel: 110.

Area of the ESPC IUK (sq. m.)

Information Services

Number of seats in the library including dormitories: 209 (incl. 40 seats in the dormitory)

Total library stock (incl. Dormitories): 966,197 books (603.87 per 1 student)
Number of local networks in education organization: 11
Number of terminals to access Internet: 145
Total number of computing equipment: 350 pieces
Total number of IBM PC compatible hardware: 350 pieces
Total number of Macintosh compatible hardware: 6
Number of computer classes: 11

Finance Resources and Budget

1. Funds allocated by the government
2. Tuition fee of contract students
3. Grants and payments for various work (training/retraining, specialists exchange; production activity, pay services).

International Cooperation and Foreign Partners

The International University of Kyrgyzstan aspires to international cooperation with other universities world-wide and develops education globalization tendency. The University maintain and develops relations with such universities and international organizations as the State University of San-Francisco, The University of Michigan, the University of Salem-Teykyo, the MUCIA (USA), the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), The Netherlands Institute of Foreign Relations, the Himalayas Scientific-Research and Culture Fund, the LCCE, The University of Manchester (England), The Academy of Diplomacy (Austria), The Savoy University (France), The Modern Humanities University, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, The Plekhanov Russian Economy Academy, The Kainar University (Kazakhstan), The Institute of Law and International Relations of Kazakhstan, The University of Diplomacy and World Economy (Uzbekistan), The University of Hanover (Germany), The University of New Deli (India), The University of Agahana (Pakistan), The North-East University (China), The University of Lanjou (China), The Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (India), The D. Neru University (India), The University of Punjab (?????), The Tohoku University (Japan), The Waceda University (Japan), University Mohhammed V Souissi (Rabat, Morocco), The Carlstadt University (Sweden), The Arnem University (?????????), The UN University, The Hague Institute of Social Surveys, the Yakutia State University (Russia), The Bishkek International School of management and Bisiness, The International Business School under the Kazakh State Academy of Managemnt, The Al-Farabi University (Kazakhstan),UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, OSCE, the Peace Corps, the ACTR/ACCELS, the Soros-Kyrgyzstan Fund, TACIS, USAID and some other organizations.

Main Indicators Taken into Consideration in the Process of Reforms and Innovations Implementation in the IUK and Their Efficiency for the Last 9 years

Quantitative Increase:

Students Enrolment

Number of faculties increased from 4 to 8.
4 new HEIs have been established.

Evaluation Mechanism and Standard, Provision of Quality, Education Diplomas and Certificates Acknowledge by Foreign HEIs

Documents on the IUK entry into European System of Transformation Credits (ESTC) have been signed with the University of Carlstadt (Sweden), The Arnem University (Holland), and the University of Lapland (Finland) with recalculation of the IUK credit hours for common ?STC academic hour that enabled acknowledge of the IUK graduation diploma in the countries of European Union.

The IUK is a member of the World Association of Universities and Colleges (WAUC), the European Universities Association (EUA), the Federation of Islam World Universities (FIWU), the International Association of Universities and HEIs International Relations Faculties, the Global Alliance of transnational Education (GATE), the European Association of International Education (EAIE).

In 2001 the IUK was awarded with the International Golden Star of Quality. On 25 March, 2002 at XXVII International Convention ceremony the IUK was rewarded with the Gold Arc of European Quality (International award founded by Business Initiative Directions (BID) for achievements in activity, business, quality provision, leadership, introduction of new technologies and innovations.

The International University of Kyrgyzstan entered 30 most prestigious HEIs of the CIS based on feedbacks received from higher education specialists, parents and entrants during a survey carried out by the Fund of the NIS Review and GazetaSNG.ru information and analytical portal (The Komsomolskaya Pravda dated 10 July, 2001).

Autonomy and New Relation between the Government and the IUK

The International University of Kyrgyzstan was granted a status of autonomous, self-management university according to the Presidential Decree issued 30 December, 1998 and the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution ? 74 dated 8 February 1999. That is a must to join the international education community.

Increase of the IUK Budget

1. Government spending on the IUK remains the same.
2. The budget increased due to introduction of new directions and specialties into the education program and grants themes enhancement.

Labor Market Supply and Demand, Employment of the IUK Graduates

According to estimates of the Higher Education Institute under the Ministry of education and Culture 85% of Bachelors and over 90% of Masters graduating the IUK annually find employment.

Today graduates of the IUK work at banks, companies and corporations of the USA, England, Germany, Israel, Belgium, Russia, The Wall Street Stock Exchange, Hague International Court, the Open University of Europe and other international organizations. Students of the IUK study in Master Degree departments of such universities as the Salem International (USA), the State University of San-Francisco (USA), the University of California (USA), George Washington University (USA), Cambridge University (England), universities of Lapland (Finland), the University of Savoy (France), the Hanover University (Germany), the Tohoku University (Japan), universities of Turkey, Israel, Yugoslavia and other countries of the world.

Curricula and Education Programs Revisions

Universally recognized system of credit hours has been introduced in the republic for the first time in its history of higher education. That enables students of the IUK to transfer to HEIs of the USA or Western Europe and get two diplomas of graduation.

Current structure of the IUK that includes all stages of multi-level education starting from the 1st stage of incomplete higher education (US equivalent is called Community College) enables to select gifted students for further education in colleges of the IUK(incomplete higher education), secondary special education) and then in higher schools and HEIs of the IUK (Baccalaureate). The nest stage is master degree and post-graduate departments.

UNESCO Informatics Intergovernmental Program Bureau approved establishment of a Virtual Academy under the IUK in cooperation with the European Center for Higher Education (Budapest) and the National Center for Diplomas International Acknowledge under UNESCO.

The Virtual Academy:
1. The Institute of Foreign Languages
2. The Institute of Multimedia Tutorials
3. The Institute of International Electronic Trade
4. The Institute of International Business
5. The Kyrgyz-Russian Institute of Distance Education
6. The Kyrgyz –Indian Institute of Distance Education
7. The Central-Asian Multimedia Center

There is an official representative office of UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in the IUK. The University of Kyrgyzstan implements the National Pilot Project for Distance Education Development in Kyrgyzstan in association with UNESCO and the World Bank.

The following new directions and specialties have been introduced:

1. Organization and Technology of Information Protection
2. Industrial Design
3. International Electronic and Corporative Commerce
4. International Trade Economy
5. International Accounting
6. Small and Medium Business Management
7. Healthcare Management
8. Mechatronics

Academic and Administrative Staff Recruitment and Satisfaction with Salary

Academic and administrative staff recruitment to the IUK is implemented according to current Labor Legislation of Kyrgyzstan.

To upgrade educational level of students the university implements training of its academic staff. For these purpose a few grants have been received from respective funds.
Academic staff development tours have been implemented to the USA, Germany, Japan, Holland, Turkey, Australia, Malaysia, Poland, Hungary, Pakistan, and Austria. 46 teachers of the university have passed training in HEIs of these countries.

A system of the IUK academic staff stimulation has been designed:

1. Introduction of 50-200% bonuses to official salary.
2. Introduction of 12-50% bonuses to official salary for knowledge of PC and foreign languages.
3. Introduction of 50% ?? 100% bonuses to official salary for length of individual service in the IUK.
4. Introduction of inducements as allowances, free time-share at the Asyl Meeting Center on Issyk-Kyl Lake, leisure at week-ends.

Mechanisms and Incentives to Stimulate Scientific-Research Activity in the IUK

The following scientific-research institutes have been established under the IUK:

1. The International Mine Institute (in association with the National Academy of Sciences)
2. The Scientific-Research Institute of International Study
3. The Scientific-Research Institute of Human Ecology
4. The Scientific-Research Institute Ethnology
5. The Scientific-Research Institute of Mountain Regions Economy

Full-Time Academic Staff Monthly Bonuses and Incentives:

PHDs: 6 times the minimal salary fixed in the country;
Doctors of Science: 12 times the minimum salary;
Docents: 3 times the minimum salaries;
Professors: 6 times the minimum salary;
Allocation of grants for scientific and applied research.

International Cooperation, Exchange of Education Programs and Mutual Acknowledge of Diplomas

There is a agreement of HEIs graduation diplomas acknowledge between Russia, Belorus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

The IUK Diplomas are acknowledged by the following universities and organizations:
- The World Association of Universities and Colleges (WAUC);
- The European Universities Association (EUA);
- The Federation of Universities of Islam World (FUIW);
- The International Association of Universities and HEIs International Relations Faculties – Partners of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations;
- The Global Alliance of Transnational Education (GATE);
- The European Association of International Education (EAIE).

Documents on the IUK entry into European System of Transformation Credits (ESTC) have been signed with the University of Carlstadt (Sweden), The Arnem University (Holland), and the University of Lapland (Finland) with recalculation of the IUK credit hours for common ?STC academic hour that enabled acknowledge of the IUK graduation diploma in the countries of European Union.

The Agreement with the Arnem University (Holland) has been extended for 10 years. The Institute of International Business has been established under this project. Some part of the IUK education programs and courses has been adapted in English according to programs of European universities (International Business, International etc.). Graduates receive the Arhem University Certificates.

4. Accumulated Experience and Lessons of the Last Decades

Relations development between the government and the IUK. Planning, finance, management and establishment of a reliable mechanism for interaction between the IUK, the state, the market and the society.

Connection between the government and the IUK was maintained via the Guardian Council established in 1993. The Guardian Council is the supreme administrative body of the International University of Kyrgyzstan that coordinate the activity of the university taking into account its education, cultural, social and other interests. The activity of the Guardian Council is based on current Legislation of Kyrgyzstan and the IUK Charter.

The Board of Directors of the National Center of Mountain Regions Development has been appointed by governmental decree. The IUK has been a member of this Board since 1999.

The Guardian Council is consultory body and its activity is directed at the IUK goals and objectives achievement, development of governmental and public forms of co-management and attraction of funds to support the activity of the IUK in accordance with its education, scientific, cultural, social and other interests.

The Guardian Council functions in close contact with the Rector’s office and the Scientific Council of the IUK.

The IUK and the Labor Market

Employers note good qualification of the IUK graduates and such their additional skills certified by respective documents as:
1. Typing and clerical work;
2. Driving;
3. English (4-year training course) including (Law, Technical, Business English) and one more foreign language (German or French);
4. Knowledge of international computer networks, office systems, e-mail and Internet;
5. Knowledge of Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Office 2000 etc.

Graduates of the IUK have good employment (the list is attached).

Cooperation between Public and Private HEIs

The Association of Higher Education Institutions of Kyrgyzstan was established in 1998. It united national HEIs with the purpose to enhance education quality and join international education community. President of the IUK A. Aidaraliev is the Chairman of the Association.

The Council of HEIs Rectors also has been established to coordinate general strategy and activity of national HEIs, defend common interests and policy. The body is headed by A. Aidaraliev, President of the IUK.

5. Formulation of Future Strategy

The IUK Goals and Objectives:

- enhancement of current scientific researches efficiency and development of new scientific-research programs in informatics and computing, system analysis, ecology, biotechnics, management, economy, law and social sciences;
- improvement of teaching quality, students broad participation in scientific research provision and set-up of close interconnection between scientific research and training;
- material and technical base strengthening and upgrading, revision of education process via introduction of modern electronic equipment to collect, process, store and transmit information including creation of new electronic library and enhancement of new multimedia tutorials application;
- distance education development and design of continuous education and in-service training system;
- creation of new infrastructure of students life and learning conditions, education services expansion, establishment of entrants selection new system and study of the labor market demand in specialists.

Identification of innovations, reforms and education programs extension goals to be reached during next decade

- focus on practical application of scientific research and education programs in accordance with existing and planned market demand and education needs of the state and the society;
- students training directed at skills to use obtained knowledge in practice, especially in non-standard situations and creation of new knowledge in the process of education;
- cultivation of need in continuous education using traditional and electronic ways of receive, store and transmit information;
-to maintain material and technical base of scientific research and training at the level determined by scientific and technology progress;
- creation of more comfortable conditions for education process of students to develop their abilities and potential as much as possible;
- assistance to graduates in employment seeking.

Basic Indicators Taken into Consideration in the Process of the IUK Goals Identification:

- 50-60% revision of scientific research themes and education programs every 10 years;
- annual 20% increase in funding of scientific-research and education activity;
- 60-70% upgrade of computer hard and software every 5 years;
- 15-20% annual increase of scientific, education and methodology literature output;
- double increase of the library stock and 3 times increase in the number of seats, design of electronic library during 10 years;
- to obtain yearly 90-95% employment of graduates.