At The Slovene GEA College For Entrepreneurship - A Migration In The Future

The Slovene GEA College of Entrepreneurship is celebrating its Tenth Anniversary of its existence and 16th Anniversary of its executive training programs. GEA is growing and expanding. It is constantly developing and updating new programs, entering partnerships with educational and business institutions and companies in Europe, China, and Russia.

The GEA College of Entrepreneurship is the first private business school in Slovenia with the major in Entrepreneurship. It offers quality study programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Lecturers are experts in his/her field. It offers interactive methods of study, stimulation and support of extra-curriculum activities. It is an environment that helps to grow and manage that growth. Where opportunities are being offered and chances to pursue.

Ms. Katja Trop is the Executive Director for International Marketing at GEA and she tells me what is behind the move to the new location, to Ljubljana, the Slovene capital. Ms. Trop explains that GEA is becoming an international player. The number of international students and partners is on increase. And Ljubljana – as one of new vibrant European capitals, an University city in addition – is more appropriate as the seat for Gea activities. Ljubljana is also the seat of several dynamic and innovative companies in the region. But also the political, social and cultural centre of Slovenia. Living in Ljubljana is exciting and at the same time very safe.

Dr. Jordan Berginc is Associate Professor at GEA, and during 2005 Head of the Chair of Entrepreneurship & Innovation. And I put few questions to him and requested to reflect on the experience at GEA:
JB: During the Sixteen years of operation, we have been promoting entrepreneurship, culture and knowledge of different target groups. For example, start up’s, students, pupils, women, existing entrepreneurs and managers, consultants, trainers, as well in the non profit area. In addition, we organized several business events, among which the Enterprise Forum, Business Breakfast, national competition of the best business plan but also conferences, summer schools and business evenings.

GEA College is not a large business school, but the market requirement for graduates is high. So far over 3000 students have studied at GEA, and over 400 graduated. Some 100 students completed the specialization on entrepreneurship and almost 200 first generation students are studying for a Master’s degree in entrepreneurship. We are proud of the high employability of our students, even though most of them come from family business background, 20 percent of our student, set up their a business venture of their own.

Q: What kind of courses you offer?
Our focus is entrepreneurship. Programs include general skills in the field of entrepreneurship, economics, management as well as specific topics for entrepreneurship, such as international cooperation, management, entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, creativity, business growth, project management, marketing, finance. We also offer regular and correspondent studies at the undergraduate and post-graduate (Master) level.
All courses are in English.

The international undergraduate (BA) study in Entrepreneurship that GEA offers is and unique program in this region. While the international Master in Project Management program has been developed jointly with six European Universities. We offer also the program of advanced studies in social entrepreneurship. The overall aim is to encourage business approach, to develop business opportunities. Theoretical knowledge is being supplemented with practical application. All the programs are accredited and in line with the Bologna declaration, and thus recognized in the EU.

Q. You promote GEA as a place where East meets West, which East and which West?
Slovenia due to its location in the heart of Europe, has an important role to play. Here virtually, west meets east and opposite. Slovenia has a dynamic economy and the country and is looked upon as the role model for several other countries. Promoting "entrepreneurial culture" means encouraging different entrepreneurial values. In other words, connecting to the community with talent, strength and diversity. Our international students, for example, are coming from 11 different countries.

Q: Lets talk about concept of entrepreneurship and New Europe. Can you elaborate?
With enlargement of ten new members, Europe, the New Europe, is becoming much more dynamic in many different ways. New members, among which Slovenia, bring also new values, additional experiences, views, which are added to its traditional values. Europe is moving towards a vision of "entrepreneurial society", where everyone should be able to give its creativity, talent and advantages his or her full expression. In other words, where individuals are encouraged to express their ideas, where diversity is valued and new perspectives play a critical role.

Q: What business concept, if any, offers GEA for New Europe? What is your vision, and what your mission?
GEA’s role in this process is of importance. Our vision is to become a leading entrepreneurial business school in this region. So to say a "business incubator" for entrepreneurial projects. As a mission, GEA College will continue to promote entrepreneurial spirit on all levels.

Q: From which countries come your students?
Oue programs are constantly updated. Our aim is to tap students from the region, and from former Eastern European countries, Russia. So far our students come from countries of Former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, China, Slovenia.

Q: For which students, in particular, is your program designed?
The International undergraduate study is aimed at students, who completed secondary education. In particular young people who wish to acquire practical skills and managerial experience. The multicultural study group, for example, allows exchange of ideas as well as better understanding of different cultures and economic environments.

Q: What are the admission requirements, do you offer also scholarships and who can apply?
• certified high school diploma
• curriculum vitae
• certificate of English language proficiency:
• medical exam;
• application fee in the amount of 25 EUR (non-refundable).
See for full details GEA web site.

We award also scholarships, which cover in part or complete tuition depending on availability of funds.

Q: Which are your most important partner universities and companies?
We are constantly expanding our netwrok. Our main partner universities and colleges are: Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden, IPAC, France, Bologna University Italy, EAVEST Denmark, Friedberg, Germany, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, SIMFONEC, England, Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Business China, Shanghai University, Liaoning Institute of Technology University, College of International Education, China, Institute of Management, Business and Law, Russia.

The Slovene companies and enterprises are supplementing our activities through sponsorship of events and lectures, also scholarships and awarding practical training to our students.

Recently, we have become involved into Slovene-Chinese Association.

Q How does the network work for students?
The strategy is designed for growth on both ends. The students are involved in fifteen business target groups, such as university business incubator, technological park, business clusters, entrepreneurship and management associations and clubs, Slovene business diaspora, Slovene gazzels network, students alumni business network. The aim is to combine new technologies and designing new business models for growth.

Q: What can students do in their leisure time, what kind of programs or additional activities are you offering
A variety of sporting activities. Team building is particularly encouraged. The AESS, for example, is a business incubator at GEA whose aim is to develop a strong organization to assist the students to develop their ideas and eventually start a business ventures of their own. Through international competition in projects development and presentation program, students have the possibility to develop managerial skills, teamwork, communication skills. Practical training is an important part of education. Students are encouraged to take part in projects in operational analyses in companies. All the graduates of GEA are invited to join the Alumni Club. The purpose here is to maintain and to further develop networks.

Q: Any last comments, wishes, suggestions
We are proud to be the first school of its kind in Slovenia. We are offering also a tutorship program, which is tailor made for students. The tutor direct the studies, and assures a successful and motivated study.

On the occasion of our anniversary, we wish to attrackt young talented students from around the world to join us at GEA. We would be offering a discounted tuition during for the occasion. Do visit our web site for further details.

THANK YOU.

GEA Web site: www.gea-college.si

RELATED ARTICLE
Irena Knehtl, The Slovene GEA College For Entrepreneurship -Where New Europe Is Being Built, Buzzle, 20th Dec, 2005

INTERESTING WEB SITES:
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Chamber of Economy Slovenia
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President of Republic of Slovenia
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COUNTRY INFORMATION FOR SLOVENIA
Area: 20,273 km2
Population: 1,964,036 (2002 census)
Capital city: Ljubljana
Language: Slovene; in nationally mixed areas, also Italian and Hungarian
Currency: Slovenian tolar (SIT)
Important dates: - Independence - 25 June 1991, - Member of EU - 1 May 2004