It was with the greatest of pleasure that the Institute visited its latest graduates to award the certificates for a very special programme of activity to support and build capacity in terms of international trade skills.
Around 20 exporters and business development specialists from Moldova and the Transnistria region recently undertook the Institute of Export & International Trade’s Certificate in International Trade qualification, as part of a capacity and confidence building project funded by the European Union, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.
Surprisingly, the students completed the qualification in less than 5 months, instead of the standard duration of approximately 18 months, despite studying alongside their regular work and business commitments. Even more amazingly, students completed the qualification in English, despite this being their second, or even third language.
The students completed modules in Fundamentals of International Business, Introduction to International Trade Management, The Global Marketplace and International Transport & Documentation. Modules were delivered by IOE&IT tutors and qualifications delivery staff, using the Institute’s Distance Learning regime, supported by local partners in-market. The students completed each module, including writing assessment papers in around 4 weeks, compared to the usual timescale of 4 months.
Despite the challenging circumstances, all students completed the learning programme, achieving sound marks - we had no less than 2 distinctions and 4 credits, a very high proportion in any cohort and our congratulations go to all those who studied so hard to achieve this.
The Institute’s Director of Special Projects, Mike Josypenko, who was closely involved in the delivery of content, commented: “The students were chosen for their business background and language ability, and were of high quality, showing excellent understanding and insights. Thanks to the qualification they have gained a better understanding of the international trading environment, with particular relevance to their home markets, and gained a better understanding of the practicalities of trading in key markets, such as the European Union and USA”.
Lesley Batchelor OBE, Director General of the IOE&IT, was delighted to attend the ceremony in Chisinau, Moldova, last Friday (30th October) to present the students with their awards.
