The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) at International Balkan University (IBU) continued to advance its mission of promoting continuous education, personal development, and professional growth throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.

About the Lifelong Learning Center

The Lifelong Learning Center serves as a dynamic platform for students, academic staff, professionals, and members of the wider community to upgrade their knowledge and skills in response to the evolving demands of society and the labor market.

Its primary goals include:

• Promoting continuous education through innovative courses and training programs.

• Supporting academic and professional development via specialized workshops, language training, and internationally recognized certification programs.

• Encouraging international cooperation through partnerships with global institutions and organizations.

• Strengthening employability and innovation by developing practical and digital skills.

• Bridging academia and society to ensure education contributes directly to social and economic development.

Through these initiatives, the LLC embodies IBU’s mission of excellence, inclusivity, and international engagement, preparing individuals to meet both local and global challenges.

Key Activities in 2024–2025

Courses

• SPSS Course (October–November 2024)
  An 8-hour training for IBU academic staff focused on statistical analysis and research methods. All participants successfully completed the course and received certificates.

• Turkish Language Course (November 2024 – March 2025)
  Organized in cooperation with Yunus Emre Institute, this course was designed for IBU staff, with a group completing Level A1.1 and earning certificates.

• CELTA Course (May–June 2025)
  Delivered in collaboration with ELTAM MK, this internationally recognized Cambridge CELTA course was successfully completed by four students, enhancing IBU’s profile in English teacher training.

• Macedonian Language Courses (November 2024 – May 2025)
  Under the guidance of Prof. Marija Stevkovska, ten students completed Levels A1.1 and A1.2 and received certificates.

• IBU Summer School (July–August 2025)
  The six-week summer program welcomed students from several countries for English language learning, cultural activities, and Balkan study tours across Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania.

• Full Stack Programming (2025)
  Organized with Eduperia, the program provided practical IT training to enrolled participants.

• German Language Courses (2025)
  Planned with Türk-Alman University, the program generated strong interest but was postponed due to low enrollment.

• AI and Digital Skills Programs
  In cooperation with SEMOS Education, several AI and data-oriented courses were promoted (including Python for AI, AI & ML Fundamentals, and Microsoft Data Analyst).

Workshops and Guest Lectures

• “Exploring the Future of AI” Workshop (May 2025): Led by Dr. Miodrag Cekikj in collaboration with BIT LOFT and Qinshift Academy, the workshop introduced participants to new developments in AI and cloud technologies.

• Webinar on English Language Teaching (April 2025): Conducted with ELTAM MK, Prof. Ana Kechan discussed classroom strategies and effective methods for assessing student understanding.

Achievements and Impact

• Academic Development: Enhanced skills in research, language teaching, and intercultural communication.

• International Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with institutions such as Yunus Emre Institute, ELTAM MK, Türk-Alman University, SEMOS Education, and Eduperia.

• Cultural Exchange: The IBU Summer School promoted international learning and cultural understanding.

• Recognition: The CELTA program established IBU as a recognized regional center for English teacher training.

Conclusion

During 2024–2025, the Lifelong Learning Center successfully implemented a diverse range of courses, workshops, and collaborative programs that supported the professional, academic, and personal development of participants.

Despite challenges in certain specialized programs, the Center made significant progress in advancing IBU’s mission of lifelong learning, academic excellence, and intercultural dialogue.

Looking ahead, the LLC aims to expand its course offerings, attract wider participation, and continue serving as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice—both in the Balkans and beyond.