Joint Ukrainian-German faculty of mechanical engineering has become increasingly popular in the KPI. Students are perfectly acquire the German language, during the practice they are working on modern equipment, carry out research projects commissioned by Ukrainian and German industry. Study at the Joint faculty is a good start for their future career both in Ukraine and abroad.
Correspondent "KP" talking with Cand. Sc. (Eng.) A.P. Halimonom who recently led a joint faculty, becoming the youngest dean of NTUU "KPI".
- Alexander Pavlovich, have you managed to make a successful career? Please, tell us about your path in NTUU “KPI”.
- It all started with the fact that as a student of MMI, I received a Leonhard Euler scholarship and went for a month to Germany. I perform research. Then defended master's, attende in graduate school. Simultaneously, intensively studied the German language. Successfully graduated. And in 2007 was Deputy Dean of the Joint faculty of mechanical engineering of NTUU “KPI”, and I have, as you see, the Dean of the faculty since last summer.
- For each of the Dean of their faculty is the best. At least, it wants to see. Convince me and readers that you really are the best.
- We are the only in Ukraine provided the opportunity for students after six years of study to obtain two diplomas: Ukrainian (NTUU “KPI”) and German (University. Otto-von-Guericke). This is not a double diploma, which is issued in other institutions. It's two full-fledged diplomas! We also guarantee high knowledge of the German language. Our students thoroughly learn German in the “KPI”. Starting from the second year, we organize for them language practice with the involvement of Otto-von-Guericke university professors. After this training, our charges can easily pass the exam DSH (examination of German language for foreign students) and to study abroad.
- What subjects do you teach? What is the difference between current students and your peers in student years?
- I communicate with students daily. I'm teaching strength of materials, mechanics.
In my view, today's students are not very interested in education. Only 20 percent of students study. The answer on the question: "What do you want?", instead of "study" hear "get a diploma." (smiles sadly).
- Tell us about your best students – the pride of the faculty.
- On the first issue, three students received a scholarship to study in Germany. And they made an examination on general conditions, together with the students for whom German is the native language. Our students received three scholarships out of four possible. This is Peter Tkachuk (MMI), Alexei Klimov (MMI) and Sergey Krasnorutskyy (WF).
- Does your faculty has friendly relations with other countries except Germany?
- We have Ukrainian-German faculty! (Laughs.) Also maintain friendly relations with Britain and Poland.
- What do your students do in their spare time?
- Unfortunately or fortunately, our students will never take part in entertainment activities. They have only 12 hours of German per week. At the same time have a lot of independent work. They should have a 4.5 of GPA to continue their education at our faculty.
- What if the GPA is below 4.5 ?
- The first year, we warn them. And then... we leave only those who are really worthy to study at the Joint faculty.
- And finally: how do you see the future of the faculty? Would you like to change something?
- Change? I would like to find a sponsor who would be paid for teaching our students abroad. But now it's impossible. The crisis is yet. Competition among staff is high as ever. And I believe that our students are the best specialists. Therefore, our future is iridescent.