HIGHER EDUCATION IN FRANCE THROUGH THE EYES OF UKRAINIAN STUDENTS

Abstract

Problem statement. The Bologna Process has initiated the formation of a single European Higher Education Area. Today's students, through academic mobility programmes, have a unique opportunity to obtain academic experience and professional competences developed during their studies at higher education institutions in other countries. In particular, master students from Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (PSACEA) under agreement with National Engineering School of Saint-Etienne (France), had the opportunity to access the educational process at French Higher Technical Education Institution and conduct a comparative analysis of the educational process within the study of the discipline “Methods of teaching in higher education institution”. The purpose of the article is to conduct a comparative analysis of higher education systems in Ukraine and France on the basis of data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and Statistical Guidelines and reference materials of France and characterize the professional development methods of French teachers (on the example of the National Engineering School of Saint-Etienne). Conclusions. In today's globalised world, quality higher education has become a significant means of ensuring a high level of professional qualifications in all spheres of human activity. The increasing demand for higher education, as well as the increasing students number, add pressure to higher education and blur the boundaries between the economic and political sectors. Student exchanges and double degree programs provide opportunities for innovative student learning, as well as increasing the education effectiveness, which in turn leads to increased demand for this sector of public life. Despite the high cost of higher education, French universities are very popular among foreign students, including Ukrainian, as they contribute to the formation of relevant professional competencies for young people, providing greater opportunities in the further employment process. Although the number of foreign students in Ukraine is lower (compared to France), domestic our higher education institutions are also beginning to be in high demand among foreign applicants, thus strengthening not only the field of education but also international economic relations. For the Ukrainian system of teachers’ professional development, it is appropriate to study and partially implement the experience of French higher technical school. In particular, the variety of proposed methods and forms of professional development deserves attention, as it indicates the efforts of educational managers in France to create a pedagogical environment psychologically comfortable and as professionally appropriate.