Graduates: Return on Investment European Humanities University Trust Fund Assembly of Donors June 2, 2010 Vilnius

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History 1992Founded in Minsk 2004Closed by Belarusian authorities 2005Re-launched activities in Vilnius 2006Granted status of Lithuanian university and accredited 2007First MA graduation in exile International Governing Board formed 2008EHU Trust Fund established 2009First BA graduation in exile Friends of EHU established

Investment in education

Impact Over 3,000 students enrolled in BA and MA programs since graduates by July 2010 On present course, an expected 2,600 graduates by 2014 Over 200 teachers integrating international practices, building competencies Thousands exchanging experiences and sharing knowledge International curricula developed Teaching methods enhanced Research collaboration deepened Institutional capacity strengthened International networks expanded, diversified Holistic, progressive services for students Quality assurance initiated

Erasmus Mundus Campus Europae Over 20 university connections International cooperation

New development priorities: Transformation of academic programs Quality assurance

BA Graduates First graduating class in 2009 Preliminary survey (2010):  45% returned to Belarus  27% continue living in Lithuania (both studying at EHU and working)  18% did not respond

MA Graduates Three graduating classes since 2007 Class of 2009 preliminary survey (54% responded)  All living in Belarus  All indicated their experiences at EHU have been career and life changing  73% working full-time or part-time; of which: 10% returned to previously-held positions such as state institutions primarily in the sphere of higher education, including universities and research institutes, on national and municipal levels  The majority works in private sector followed by civil society organizations, mostly in the field of their respective degrees.  Of those intending to continue their education in the form of PhD studies, many indicated a desire to explore opportunities at EHU, while others were considering PhD studies in Belarus or other countries. Classes of 2008 and 2007  Up to 75% returned to Belarus  Some continuing on PhD level at European universities such as University of Helsinki in Finland and Yale University in the United States

What are they doing? Assisting EU agencies and Council of Europe in development planning in Belarus Famous figures in art world in Belarus Establishing innovative businesses in Belarus Pursuing innovative research in Belarus Working in state institutions in Belarus Monitoring elections in Belarus Assisting EHU students Working at EHU: student services, marketing, alumni coordination, lecturing

In their words: ‘…I can say that ideal student for standard lecturer in the universities in Belarus is a student who keeps silent, who does not ask additional questions, who just attends the lectures and does nothing over and above the academic plan. Such education does not teach students to think independently and critically.’ A. N., 2nd year, BA program in Media and Communications, Mass Media and Journalism (full time)

In their words: ‘Alumni of European Humanities University are a new generation of well educated professionals, who are able to make positive changes in Belarus, to overcome the legacy of a present regime and bring Belarusian society to better time…’. A. N., 2nd year, BA program in Media and Communications, Mass Media and Journalism (full time)

In their words: ‘…But what we should be concerned about is the apathy, which is widespread in Belarus… No matter how many resolutions are written or how many conferences are held if there is no wish for change all the EU strategies contributing towards the development of civil society in Belarus will come to nothing …’ N. K., 2nd year, BA program in Media and Communications, Mass Media and Journalism (full time)

They need support