The Wider Project Objective:To strengthen the European dimension in qualifications of the tourist sector to enhance employability of graduates in the field of tourism in Russia and Kyrgyzstan.Specific Project Objectives:1. To harmonize qualifications and competences in the tourist sector in the Programme and Partner Countries on the basis of learning outcomes, occupational standards and sectoral qualification framework (SQF). 2. To improve qualification of the teaching staff of PCIs, involved in developing and implementing new curriculum, based on OS and SQF 3. To design a pilot curriculum in tourism for the 7th qualification level (Masters’ degree) based on OS, SQF and learning outcomes 4. To establish quality control and monitoring procedures at PCIs and enhance quality, relevance and convergence with EU initiatives 5. To disseminate project outcomes and best practices in higher education sector of Russia and Kyrgyzstan and to enhance networking among HEIs and professional associations across Program and Partner Countries6. To ensure effective and efficient project and programme managementThe project partnership was help RU and KG PCIs improve the quality in tourism education by modernizing their educational systems and strengthening intellectual, cultural, social, scientific and technological potential. The project was allow for reforming qualification systems and developingOccupational Standards and Qualification Framework for the tourist sector in RU and KG. On the basis of OS and SQF partners was jointly develop a pilot innovative second cycle curriculum in tourism focused on 7th level learning outcomes, professional competences and student centered pedagogical approach, which was meet the industry demand in employees’ qualifications. To enhance the EU dimension and to reference qualification levels to European qualification framework (EQF) partners was need to understand their own national qualifications landscape and explain allocation process at national and EU-level as was as reflect EQF and national contexts and objectives. Cooperation and dialogue of actors across vocational, higher and general education and social partner and private sector involvement play a bridging role. The partnership was work towards a ‘common language' to translate occupational standards into qualifications and understand and compare qualifications both at national and EU level.– Qualifications that have both national and international value are truly a global phenomenon. Recognition and transparency of all qualifications was make it easier for individuals to explain their skills and increase mobility in the national labour markets and across countries.The changes in the industry also creates demand from employers and practitioners for opportunities for employees to update or improve their qualifications, and hence there is growing interest in Mastres' programs. The full picture is that the above factors make it more likely that the changes carried through during the project was be sustained long after it has been completed and was be beneficial for the target groups. On the whole, the situation in the tourist dector was change for the better, since the tourist education will be structured around competences specified at each level, and the tourist industry will get specialists trained in accordance with the qualificitaions required.The project will contribute to the structural changes in tourist education and was produce the multiplier effect through the disemination activities. Ministries of Education in RU and KG direct involvement in the project was of great value in endorsing the project outcomes through accreditation process.

"Joint project for the modernization of educational programs in sustainable tourism. Sustainable development is a regional priority for China, Vietnam and Kyrghyzstan and personnal services (tourism) is a national priority for Kyrghyzstan.AIMS IN EACH COUNTRY :Reduce skill gaps in intermediate (production assistant, responsable of organisation) and top levels (sustainable development manager, project manager) by improving the employability of students and by perfecting corporate executives.Professionalize teaching programs in line with Bologna Process and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and coorganize them with companies.Create professional Bachelor and Master degrees accessible in distance learning for sustainable tourism development and a longlife training program.ACADEMIC KEY PARTNERS :- South-West University ""Neofit Rilski"" (BG)- Public Interest Group of Grenoble Education Authority (FR)- International Telematic university UNINETTUNO (IT)- Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia (IT), withdrawn from the Project consortium- TEI of central Macedonia, incorporated in the newly founded Hellenic International University (GR)- Universidade do Algarve (PT)- Academy of finance and economics Bishkek (KGZ)- Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VN)- Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (CN)- Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi (IT)- The University of Aristotel, Thessaloniki (GR)- Portucalense University (PT)- Kyrgyz Economical University (KGZ)- Issykul State University (KGZ)- Hue College of economics (translating his Vietnamese name also as ""University of Hue - University of Economics) (VN)- Beijing Normal University (CN)- Sichuan Tourism University (CN)- Jinan University (CN)EXPECTED RESULTS :3 national strategic action plans20 teachers professionalized en UE6 job descriptions (job profiles), 3 professional Bachelors and 3 Master degrees programs (Accreditation Files), course contents and digitized resources available for distance learning.3 poles of excellence, resource centers for sustainable tourism.3 didactic cyberspaces810 students et 150 employees trained on site or in distance learning.9 double or joint diplomas"