With a solemn ceremony, the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering at the Technical University – Sofia was celebrated. Established immediately after the changes in Bulgaria, the faculty is not just about studying the French language, but it builds capabilities because it works according to the French system of engineering education, the French model of higher education has been adopted, leading Bulgarian and French teachers have been included, said the dean, Prof. Dr. Eng. Kiril Angelov.
The academic leadership of the Technical University - Sofia awarded today the Vice President Iliana Yotova with a gold medal for her contribution to Francophonie in Bulgaria and specifically for her support for French engineering training, part of which is the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering at the Technical University - Sofia. The medal is also for her exceptional contribution to the development of higher education in Bulgaria. This was stated by the Rector of the Technical University - Sofia, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Králov.
Also present at the solemn celebration were the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Milkov, who also congratulated the university leadership and the guests present, the Ambassador of France in Bulgaria Joël Meyer, the Ambassador of Morocco in our country Mrs. Zakia El Midawi, Chairman of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Bulgaria, the ambassadors of Belgium, Switzerland, Albania, Vietnam and Egypt. Also present was the General Secretary of the European Technological University, Timothée Toury, representatives of institutions and partner universities, teachers and students.
"The academic leadership of the Technical University - Sofia awards gold medals, plaques and special certificates to deserving faculty members, representatives of Francophone organizations, companies that are sponsors of the university and the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering, supporting the development of Francophonie and French training," said Prof. Ivan Králov.
He also noted that 42 networks of European universities are now being established and the Technical University - Sofia is participating in one of them, called the European Technological University. Eight European technical universities from different countries across Europe are included in this European network. In the future, students from this European Technological University will receive a unified European diploma, with a minimum of two semesters to be studied at another university, in addition to the main partner university, the rector added.
"With their Bulgarian diplomas, engineers from the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering are accepted to work everywhere in the EU, in many countries in Asia. The French language is something more than a window to the diversity of the world." This was said by Vice President Iliana Yotova in her welcome address. She highlighted the role of President Zhelyu Zhelev in opening the doors of the Francophone community to Bulgaria. According to Vice President Yotova, he well understood that this was the first window that Bulgaria was opening to the world.
The Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering is a peer of the Francophonie in Bulgaria, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Milkov said today in his speech. He emphasized that in this regard, the contribution of the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering is indisputable. "It is an example of successful cooperation between business and education, and this is achieved through the opportunity provided by the French language for finding employment on the labor market - not only here, but also abroad," Minister Nikolay Milkov said.
The Dean of the Faculty of French Training in Electrical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Sci. Kiril Angelov noted that during its existence, the specialties have been directed towards all areas of high-tech engineering, and currently, in addition to electrical engineering, specializations in automation, electronics, computer engineering, and telecommunications are included. These are engineering specialties that have direct application not only in Bulgaria but also worldwide, Prof. Angelov emphasized. The students' diplomas are not only recognized in France but are also equivalent to French ones, he added.
The French business community in Bulgaria is not small and provides very good employment opportunities. Students not only achieve 100% employment in their specialty but also a high standard of living that exceeds the average for Bulgaria, Prof. Angelov further pointed out. Opportunities are also provided for students to study in France; they can go for training at partner universities for 12 months. At the same time, annually between 35-40 students come from France to us to spend one or two semesters, Prof. Angelov also said.
After the official part, a Round Table on the opportunities and challenges for Francophone higher education in Bulgaria was held.
