Radchenko T. Multicultural fundamentals of organization of studies at universities of Switzerland

The thesis is devoted to the multicultural fundamentals of organization of studies at Swiss universities. The research argues that Switzerland is a prime example of the successful solution to cultural and language problems (according to the Constitution of this country four languages - German, French, Italian and Romansh - have official status), cross-cultural communication as well as adaptation of its educational space to the requirements of multicultural information society. The analysis of cultural, social and educational conditions for establishing multicultural higher education in Switzerland has been carried out. Social and political structure of the state as well as advances in pedagogical education and science concerning the dialogue of cultures have been characterized. There has been outlined the phenomenon of permanent openness and enrichment of the Swiss educational space with the ideas of representatives of other nations, countries and societies. The peculiarities regarding prior multicultural school training of applicants to Swiss universities are determined: three-language proficiency (for citizens of Switzerland), availability of several study programs in secondary education, prospects of developing students' skills of intercultural communication and efficient collaboration in a multinational environment. It is proved that Swiss universities strive to meet the demands and promote equal educational opportunities for all ethnic groups of the country. Multicultural space of universities in Switzerland is a favorable environment for multicultural education and professional training. Multilingualism is a key principle of multicultural education at Swiss universities: the main language of instruction at the Bachelor's degree level depends on the university's location in the German-, French-or Italian-speaking region of the country; at the Master's degree level the language of instruction may be one of the official languages, English or their combination. With its multicultural teaching staff and high percentage of foreign students Swiss universities are recognized as international multilingual educational institutions. The research emphasizes the multicultural fundamentals of organization of studies which are manifested by meaningful signs of multiculturalism for the selected components related to target, content, operation, economic resources, human resources, student contingent, structure and monitoring. The signs of multiculturalism include promotion of humanization, democratization, diversification, internationalization, multilingualism, openness and accessibility of education. The major trends of improving the quality of higher education in Switzerland in terms of cultural variety and multilingualism are revealed: namely diversification of language courses, the implementation of intercultural pedagogy and development of students and training staff's multicultural competence. The techniques of implementing the Bologna Declaration in the multicultural space of Swiss universities are analyzed. The ways to enrich organization of studies at higher educational establishments in Ukraine by the ideas gained from Swiss experience are outlined at national and regional levels as well as at the university level.