TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM OF GEORGIA: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

In recent years education and science has achieved a significant progress in Georgia. The country has implemented a number of reforms aiming at transforming the post-Soviet education system and creating a new system that would be in line with rapidly developing world demands. It was a very important historic, economic or socio-political event for Georgia to withdraw from the Soviet Union's total governance though the country was facing big challenges. Georgia, as a member of the Bologna Process since 2005, constantly implements innovations in the education system, thus deserves more trust in the higher education sphere of Europe. In spite of serious reforms, many challenges remain on the quality education services and equal access of those services. The Georgian system of education quality assurance is dynamically developing in line with good international practice. Internationalization of education is an unconditional priority. It promotes educational quality development, international mobility and international recognition and builds confidence. The internationalization process also facilitates: Approach of the Georgian education system to European standards and Realization of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. It should be noted that the process of internationalization also ensures effective implementation of the obligations taken under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.