The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) at International Balkan University (IBU) marked another successful academic year in 2024–2025, offering a rich array of programs and workshops designed to promote continuous education, professional growth, and cross-cultural collaboration. Through innovative training initiatives and strategic partnerships, the Center strengthened its role as a regional hub for lifelong learning and academic excellence.

Throughout the year, the LLC organized numerous courses aimed at developing practical, linguistic, and digital competencies among students, staff, and professionals. The SPSS Course (October–November 2024) equipped IBU academic staff with essential data analysis skills, while the Turkish Language Course (November 2024 – March 2025), conducted in cooperation with the Yunus Emre Institute, enabled participants to achieve Level A1.1 certification.

In collaboration with ELTAM MK, the internationally accredited CELTA program (May–June 2025) enhanced English language teaching expertise, with four participants successfully completing the course. Under the guidance of Prof. Marija Stevkovska, Macedonian Language Courses (November 2024 – May 2025) provided international students with valuable linguistic and cultural insights.

The 2025 IBU Summer School brought together participants from multiple countries for six weeks of English instruction, cultural engagement, and Balkan study tours across Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. In the field of technology, the Full Stack Programming course, held in partnership with Eduperia, offered hands-on IT training, while several AI and digital skills programs were launched in cooperation with SEMOS Education, including Python for AI and Microsoft Data Analyst.

Workshops and guest lectures further enriched the academic environment. The “Exploring the Future of AI” workshop (May 2025), led by Dr. Miodrag Cekikj alongside BIT LOFT and Qinshift Academy, introduced attendees to emerging trends in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Meanwhile, a webinar on English Language Teaching (April 2025) with Prof. Ana Kechan and ELTAM MK explored modern classroom strategies and student assessment methods.

By enhancing academic skills, fostering international partnerships, and promoting intercultural understanding, the Center reinforced IBU’s position as a forward-thinking institution. Although certain specialized programs, such as the German Language Course planned with Türk-Alman University, faced scheduling challenges, overall participation and impact grew steadily.

Reflecting on the year’s outcomes, LLC Coordinator and our Vice Rector Ahmet Lökçe noted, “Our mission is to make education an evolving journey. This year’s programs demonstrated that IBU’s Lifelong Learning Center is not just a training platform it is a space where innovation, knowledge, and cultural exchange meet.” Looking ahead, the LLC plans to expand its digital and professional development offerings while continuing to serve as a bridge between academia and industry. Through its dedication to accessible, high-quality education, IBU’s Lifelong Learning Center continues to embody the university’s mission of academic excellence, inclusivity, and global engagement