I won a photo contest organised by our university health club. We went to the Kakerdaja bog and took photos. And this one, mine, was voted the best.
We have an admissions period at the university right now, so I thought to use my blog to disseminate information about the Law School.
What can you study and in which form?
1. Law Bachelor (120 Estonian (180 ECTS) credit points, three years):
a) full-time in English;
b) full-time in Estonian;
c) weekend studies (every other weekend) in Estonian.
The studies will give you an Estonian state accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree.
2. Law Master (80 Estonian (120 ECTS) credit points, two years):
a) executive style in English (two non-consecutive intensive weeks (Mon-Sat) during first three semesters, plus virtual courses, thesis writing during the fourth semester)
b) weekend studies (every other weekend) in Estonian.
The studies will give you an Estonian State accredited Master of Arts in Law degree.
Why choose Audentes Law School?
– multicultural and international learning environment
– heritage of the acclaimed Concordia University Law School
– contemporary curricula, with emphasis on European and international law
– flexible and student-centric approach
Additional admissions information from the IUA Admissions Office.
On Friday I had a chance to listen to an open lecture by professor Adel Safty. First of all it was a very fortunate decision for me actually not to go home, but stick around at the university until the lecture, second of all I am very grateful to whoever organised this visit. These lectures should take place more often, and with people who have the same kind of credentials as professor Safty.
He talked about many things, but I found most interesting the concept of having leadership without actually being in power. This applies not only to global politics, but also to societies and smaller groups. We live in an age where a single person with a great idea can lead others whereas the traditional power structures sometimes prove to be somewhat inflexible.
I agreed with his comments regarding the role of the UN and the importance of establishing genuine leadership there, and not allow it to be usurped for national interests (which is made possible by the existence of vetoes for certain permanent members of the Security Council). I truly feel that we live in a world that is changing, and it is changing for the better. Governments no longer can exercise full authority over their subjects.
There are several factors which make this change possible from the possibility of an individual uploading a video filmed on his or her mobile phone to YouTube to almost failed US politicians finding new courage and missions in fighting global warming (I refer to Al Gore and his slideshow and subsequent film which won an Oscar for best documentary). As prof Safty pointed out, the person does not necessarily have to be well-known person such as Al Gore, it can be anyone.
This is the kind of leadership I feel comfortable providing as well. I do not like power, I am afraid that a position of power might change me for the worse. I have never wanted power, but I do have ideas that I wish to be implemented.
As a Concordia student I feel the need to explain why I think that the school is in trouble. It is a reflection of how the education system in Estonia is itself in a deep crisis and that private universities are not able to sustain the quality of education in unfair circumstances where state universities receive huge financial support AND charge half of their students. I would compare the situation with the problems that radio stations have had in Estonia because of the state sponsored BUT still commercial (ie using advertisement revenues) forced private radio stations such as KUKU to cut down on their programme and expenses.
If you have a university then there is not much to cut down without it having effect to the quality of education. Concordia has always been giving quality education, which is why it has been able to survive as long as it has with extremely high tuition fees.
The worst thing about the whole situation is the fact that although Concordia has been not very successful in marketing the university, the media smear campaign will not make many people want to come here. It would be necessary for past Concordia graduates and current students to tell that the quality of education has been outstanding when compared to other universities. The outcome of the negotiations with the Pedagogical University must come quickly and assure people that Concordia will be remaining as an independent entity. The longer the uncertainty exists the harder it will be to restore the credibilty and reputation of the university.
The problems that Concordia has had have been mostly with the administration, not faculty. And the faculty is what is very strong in Concordia and contributes to the high standards of education that people receive. I hope there will be a speedy end to the uncertainty and when I return for the summer semester everything is back to some level of normalcy.
I have just heard that the university I study in, Concordia International University Estonia is negotiating for the shares of the company who owns the university to be sold to the Tallinn Pedagogical University. I really love my school and would not want to it to end up merging or becoming a part of the behemoth that the TPU is. I truly hope that there will actually be no other changes than the fact that there could be some investment and help to pay off the tax debt the univesrity has accumulated. I did know that Concordia was struggling financially, but believed that a way out could be found. This is, probably, a way out, but I have no idea what is the outcome of it for me and for my school.
The worst thing is that I am here in Germany and will not return before the beginning of May, so I cannot find out more about it than the short notices on the website and the online editions of Estonian newspapers. I need more information and soon.
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