Metropolitan College Greece strengthen international partner

The University of East London (UEL) welcomed a delegation from Metropolitan College (MC), Greece, led by its Principal, Mr Dimitris Diamantis, and the newly appointed CEO, Miss Marianna Politopoulou. The visit is a testament to the thriving collaboration between UEL and MC, highlighting their commitment to global education and sustainability.

The delegation met with key members of the University Executive Board; Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Careers and Enterprise), Professor Paul Marshall. Dr Gulnara Stover, Director of The Talent Gateway; Diane Glautier, Associate Director of Academic Partnerships & Global Engagement; and Farhanaz Begum, Strategic Academic Partnerships Manager, had a primary focus on reinforcing collaborative principles, aligning goals, and crafting strategies for future expansion. The discussions were enriched by the participation of representatives from various University services and academic departments.

During their visit, the delegation was treated to a tour of the recently inaugurated state-of-the-art Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability at the University’s Docklands campus. The tour, guided by Director of Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability Robert de Jong, showcased the institution's commitment to advanced facilities and environmentally sustainable practices.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Broderick expressed her support for the partnership. She said, 

The collaboration between the University of East London and Metropolitan College Greece is a testament to the power of international education. Our shared commitment to providing high-quality education has made us the largest Transnational Education (TNE) provider in Greece. We are proud to contribute to the global community through this partnership.”

Metropolitan College CEO Marianna Politopoulou also shared her thoughts on the visit, stating, “Our collaboration with the University of East London has been a transformative journey, and we are thankful for the ongoing support and commitment. The impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve is significant. We believe in the power of education to create positive change, and our partnership with UEL exemplifies this commitment.”

The partnership, established in 2011, has evolved into offering over 50 courses in both English and Greek languages, across eight campuses, encompassing all UEL schools, boasting over 5000 students. Both institutions acknowledge the significance of civic engagement and addressing social and economic inequalities through research, teaching, and institutional practices. The partnership remains dedicated to facilitating a speedy response to market competitiveness for growth and development.

UEL’s Global Family Framework initiatives, now in its 3rd year, include joint research, conferences, student exchange programs, civic engagement, and the sharing of best practices. These initiatives are at the forefront, aiming to further strengthen ties and position UEL as a leader in creating networking opportunities.

The visit by the leadership of Metropolitan College to the University of East London sets the stage for forthcoming collaborative initiatives that are poised to have a lasting impact on global education and sustainability.