In the current context the development of international academic cooperation is required for efficiency of any university in Russia. The merger of the educational system of the Russian Federation with the educational systems of other countries is defined by the legislation as one of the targets of common international activity of educational organizations.
 

NWSMU n.a. I.I. Mechnikov has wide international contacts covering various aspects of science and education. One of our foreign partners is Saimaa University of Applied Sciences in Finland, Lappeenranta. The International Week on the problems of the patient-oriented practice was held at Saimaa University in October. It was attended by the university Professors from Finland, Russia, UK and Spain. Professors from NWSMU n.a. I.I. Mechnikov – N.A. Mozzhukhina (Associate Professor of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health) and E.A. Abumuslimova (Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health and Health Care) gave practical classes and lectures in accordance with the course plan. The educational program included topics on medical ethics and deontology, international and multi-professional interactions, and problems of the activity of population in preventive health. The suggested topics were interesting for all members of the International Week because of their current importance for the health system of any country. Participation of Professors in such activities enhances the institution prestige and lets to evaluate, discuss and test different approaches as well to solve complicated professional issues.

 
 

In addition, the exchange of experience is important not only for science but also for education: discussion of tutorial approaches using in the training at other universities improves the efficiency and quality of students’ education. Colleagues of European universities widely use interactive training not only at practical classes and workshops, but also during the lectures. It is worth noting that Saimaa University has the up-dated equipment allowing to use a wide range of training methods. Giving a lecture in the classroom that holds more than 300 students, professor has the technical possibility to obtain prompt response from the audience. The distance educational platform Moodle with tutoring is also intensively used at the university, and professors can monitor the training individually.
The educational process in the Finnish university aims to motivate students for self-learning, to improve their self-responsibility for learning. For example, in accordance with the Week program, after the completion of the course students prepared short presentations on discussed issues, showing at this time the creative approach and deep study of selected topics. There is a special classroom equipped with computers and multi-function devices for independent work; in addition students have Internet access from computers located in the public domain in the halls on all floors of the building.

The working climate in the team was very friendly. Project Coordinator Tuula Hämäläinen and her Finnish colleagues did all their best to make the work in the international group more productive and pleasant. All professors were equally covered by professional and human attention.


The issues related to the specific research interests, training approaches in different disciplines and universal human values were raised and discussed during the free time. Besides professional, great value for the positioning of the Russian educational system on the world stage has the personal contact between professors and students of higher institutions from different countries. High level of training of our staff and active productive communication with the colleagues creates a base and provide opportunities for the development and implementation of new joint research and educational programs. Undoubtedly integration of NWSMU n.a. I.I. Mechnikov into the global educational and scientific space contributes to the high quality of educational, research and technical activity of our university.