The Higher Education Review

Atlantic International University (AIU) is firmly grounded in Human Rights and actively contributes to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The university is dedicated to the perpetual evolution of individuals through holistic, multidimensional self-development in the physical, quantum, and spiritual realms, incorporating multifunctionality, multiversity, and multi-projection. This approach fosters continuous self-knowledge based on self-reflection and self-projection, utilizing all available resources across various dimensions. Each educational journey at AIU is uniquely tailored to the individual's distinct and irreplaceable nature.

In the realm of Economics education in the USA, numerous institutions offer exceptional academic programs and opportunities for students seeking to delve into the complexities of Economic theory and practice. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous curricula and esteemed faculty members, providing students with a solid foundation in economics and preparing them for a wide range of career paths in both the public and private sectors.

Founded in the 1980s, Atlantic International University (AIU) emerged as a response to the growing need for integral and sustainable development in various sectors. Initially conceived to cater to the educational needs of employees within enterprises owned by its founders, AIU quickly evolved to embrace a paradigm shift from 'traditional knowledge' to 'practical knowledge’. This transition marked a move from Pedagogy to Andragogy, placing a significant emphasis on human and environmental capital as crucial components in addressing the challenges of an increasingly globalized world.

With a commitment to providing accessible education, AIU expanded its offerings beyond its initial scope, introducing a wide range of undergraduate degrees designed to accommodate the diverse experiences and backgrounds of its students. Incorporated in the State of Hawaii in 1998, AIU has since developed a robust academic framework encompassing Certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, and Post- Doctorate programs.

Central to AIU's approach is its flexible online system, which caters to the multifaceted lives of its students. By taking into account their academic, social, familial, artistic, military, governmental, and professional experiences, AIU ensures that learners can pursue their educational aspirations while balancing various responsibilities and commitments.

This student-centric approach underscores AIU's commitment to fostering holistic development and empowering individuals to thrive in today's dynamic global landscape.

Unique Offerings
At AIU, the educational experience is entirely tailored to the individual student, offering a unique and personalized approach to learning. Here, students have the autonomy to craft their own curriculum, aligning their studies with their specific interests and career aspirations. At the core of AIU's philosophy is a commitment to holistic development, where academic pursuits are complemented by a focus on personal growth and fulfillment.

Faculty members at AIU are dedicated to supporting each student's academic journey, striving to help them unlock their full potential. Through personalized guidance and mentorship, academic advisors ensure that students receive the necessary support to excel in their chosen areas of study.

This commitment to student success is rooted in the Andragogic Model of Education, which emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the unique goals and interests of adult learners.

With this student-centered approach, AIU fosters an environment where individuals can thrive intellectually, personally, and professionally. By empowering students to take ownership of their education and providing them with the resources and support they need, AIU equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

AIU offers students an extensive array of academic resources, totaling over 25 tools to support their educational endeavors. These resources include a modern Electronic Student Section unique to AIU, providing a dynamic platform for student engagement. Additionally, AIU produces a monthly magazine, ‘AIU Campus Mundi’, and offers the innovative MyAIU platform with 11 elements designed to maximize student potential.

The institution also provides access to hundreds of high-quality online courses in English and Spanish through its Open Courses initiative. Furthermore, AIU facilitates student learning through platforms such as AIU TV and AIU Radio, offering opportunities for both consumption and production of educational content. With a vast online library boasting 1.2 billion bibliographical references, 260,000 E Books and 30 million texts, AIU ensures students have ample research materials at their disposal.

Other resources include optional assignments, a mobile app for convenient access, webinars, two daily live class sessions, Microlearning via its innovative Mini-Courses, virtual labs, simulations, and the 'Merlin Media Center’ housing over 106,000 AIU-generated media and academic contents.

“At AIU we have Live Class Sessions on a daily basis, we organize Symposiums and Seminars as well any student can attend and learn from it. Additionally, At AIU most of our students have qualified to receive partial scholarships. We evaluate each student, meaning, it is case by case.

The goal is to be able to design a Payment Plan for the student which he/ she feels comfortable with and consequently he/she can focus on the academic program. The Partial scholarships range from 10 percent to 50 percent”, says Dr. Jose Mercado, AIU Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Industry Collaborations
Integral to the AIU program is the integration of work experience and practical applications into students' ongoing employment. AIU students engage in their studies while concurrently pursuing their careers, fostering a symbiotic relationship between academic learning and professional endeavors. This approach imbues students with a sense of purpose and tangible goals within their jobs and projects.

AIU adheres to the Andragogic Model of Education, prioritizing adult learning principles over traditional pedagogy. Nonetheless, AIU remains open to collaboration with educational institutions worldwide, seeking to establish mutually beneficial agreements. The institution is committed to sharing its academic resources with affiliated educational partners, extending opportunities for enhanced learning and development to a broader community of students.

Future Vision
The knowledge, skills, and expertise acquired by students at AIU are invaluable assets. These capabilities empower them to enhance their lives, drive progress within their communities, and pursue their chosen endeavors unhindered. AIU holds a profound respect for individuals' freedom to navigate their personal development journeys, recognizing the significance of choice in fostering growth.

The institution takes immense pride in the academic and professional achievements of its students, as well as their contributions as global citizens. Consistently, AIU graduates garner recognition across various sectors worldwide, a testament to the institution's quality and the caliber of its alumni.

Every day, AIU strives to refine its role as a steward of global resources through an andragogic, inclusive, and innovative learning model. This model empowers students to uncover their passions and purpose while actively addressing global challenges in a sustainable manner, all while upholding human rights.

In this pursuit, AIU remains committed to enhancing its academic offerings, such as integrating tools like Artificial Intelligence, to equip students with the means to navigate an ever-evolving landscape effectively.