Frequently
Asked Questions about the
School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE)
at the University of Central Asia (UCA)
View Frequently Asked Questions about
the University of Central Asia (UCA)
What is
SPCE?
SPCE is Central Asia’s first provider of formal, university-based,
non-degree educational programmes, offering vocational, professional
development and personal improvement opportunities to youth and adults.
Begun in 2006, SPCE is the University of Central Asia’s (UCA)
first operational academic programme, and has the mission
of fostering economic development.
SPCE emphasizes tertiary
short-cycle education (TSCE), which is well developed in advanced
economies but still new to Central Asia. Instead of a university degree,
TSCE give students intense training, usually in one year or less,
that results in a widely accepted qualification to perform industry-specific
tasks. SPCE intends to contribute to educational reform in Central
Asia by demonstrating the value of its programs in helping its students
become internationally competitive for careers and business opportunities.
What came before SPCE?
In 2003, UCA created the School
of Continuing Education (SCE) which offered a variety
of short-term courses and workshops. In 2005, it was
decided that a more focused approach was needed, with a mandate to
foster economic development through the provision of fewer but higher
quality course offerings. On the basis of this assessment, SPCE was
created in 2006.
What kinds of courses does SPCE offer?
SPCE has programmes
in areas relevant to the economic development of the
region: Enterprise Development and Management, Information Technology
and New Media, Applied Languages, Public and Social Sector Management,
Vocational Education and Training, Post-Graduate Preparatory Programmes,
Professional Development, and Personal Development and Improvement.
Professional
development courses that are or will be offered include accounting,
language for specific purposes, computers and information technology,
small business management, and tourism planning and development. Vocational
courses that are or will be offered include carpentry, construction,
painting and plastering.
Why does SPCE focus on these areas?
There are many possible
areas that SPCE could address through its courses. We have deliberately
chosen to focus on those that will have the greatest impact on the
local employment and business opportunities. SPCE continually monitors
changes in the local economies in which it operates, and will offer
courses that create employment and income generating opportunities
for youth and adults, and professional development opportunities for
mid-career professionals. By building vocational skills and professional
competencies, SPCE will encourage entrepreneurship in the region and
stimulate economic development.
Where are SPCE courses held?
In the three SPCE town campuses
located in UCA campus towns - Tekeli,
Kazakhstan, Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic and Khorog, Tajikistan.
Each campus has large multi-purpose classrooms, a library
and learning resource centre with computers, a computer lab and student
services offices. Some SPCE courses will be held in other towns or
cities based on course requirements and students involved.
What language is used to teach SPCE courses?
With the exception
of the applied language programmes, all courses will be conducted
in national languages or in Russian. While English will be language
of instruction for the coming graduate and undergraduate programmes
on the main campuses, knowledge of English is not required for SPCE
programmes.
What is the value of my SPCE education?
SPCE will offer two
kinds of programmes: some that prepare students to
qualify for an externally awarded certificate, and others that award
an SPCE certificate. For the externally awarded certificates (e.g.,
Microsoft, English for Business) SPCE will prepare students for the
examination to receive their certification. For the SPCE certificates
(e.g., Mountain Tour Operator, Agro-Processing), the School follows
curricula that are based on the best international practices, and
reviewed by leading international and regional experts. All SPCE certificates
are designed to meet the standards of the European Credit Transfer
System, making these courses internationally transferable. For all
programmes offered at SPCE, rigorous quality assurance procedures,
such as external examiners and programme evaluation, will be used
to ensure that programmes meet high standards.
Who will teach SPCE
courses?
SPCE instructors are recruited from the region
and receive thorough training and qualifications before they begin
teaching on town campuses. They will use innovative and interactive
teaching methods, encourage critical thinking, and help students with
further professional development.
How much does it cost to attend SPCE courses?
The cost of a
SPCE course varies, depending on the course. Every SPCE student is
expected to pay a share of the cost of their course. Those who need
help can access financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships
and student loans.
How can I be informed of SPCE course offerings?
Check course
listings or contact us at your local SPCE town campus:
SPCE,
Tekeli
13 Gagarina Street
Tekeli
Republic of Kazakhstan
Write to SPCE, Tekeli
SPCE, Naryn
78 Lenina Street
722505 Naryn
Kyrgyz Republic
Write to SPCE, Naryn
SPCE, Khorog
c/o AKDN Khorog office
90 Lenina Street
Khorog, GBAO
Republic of Tajikistan 736000
Write to SPCE, Khorog
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