External Academic Relations Office concludes 4th International Staff Training Week

The External Academic Relations Office at Birzeit University held the fourth International Staff Training Week from June 5 to 9, 2023.

Titled “Intercultural Competencies for Diverse and Inclusive Academic Environment: Internationalization and Capacity Building,” the week gathered colleagues and international partners to explore collaboration prospects and promote partnerships, allowing Birzeit University to accomplish its strategic goals.

Thirty academics and staff from international universities across the world participated in the International Staff Training Week, including colleagues from Powiślański University, Poland; Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Türkiye; the University of Johannesburg, South Africa; the Free University of Berlin, Germany; the City College of New York, US; the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain; the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg, Germany; the University of Bern, Switzerland; Sultan Zainal Abidin University, Malaysia; the University of Iceland; the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Netherlands; the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Italy; Dante Alighieri University, Italy; and the University of Limerick, Ireland.

The International Staff Training Week encompassed many activities and sessions. To break barriers between participants and introduce them to the Palestinian culture, the first day included icebreaker activities, a Dabka dance session and a workshop on common Arabic expressions.

In the second day, Dr. Rana Khatib, vice president for Planning and Development, led a session on institutional strategies that promote quality higher education. Dr. Khatib addressed Birzeit University’s strategic goals and priorities as well as challenges facing the university.

Dr. Amir Khalil, director of the External Academic Relations Office, held a presentation on policies and strategies to internationalize higher education institutions. He also elaborated on the academic exchange program available at Birzeit University, highlighting its impact on students and faculty members. The second day also included presentations by the Admission and Registration Office and the Palestine and Arabic Studies (PAS) program at Birzeit University.

In the third day, Dr. Abdul Karim Daraghmeh, director of the Erasmus Office in Palestine, delivered a presentation on the significance of capacity building projects conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education in partnership with Palestinian and European universities.

The External Academic Relations Office also organized a Study Fair for Birzeit University students, featuring representatives from consulates, embassies and academic institutions.

In the last day, faculty members from different departments held a session on Erasmus+ projects at Birzeit University. In addition, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology introduced the participants to employment prospects available to Birzeit University students following their graduation.

The participants also met with the Right to Education Campaign volunteers, who expanded on Israeli violations against university students in Palestine.

The week was concluded with a musical performance at Birzeit University Museum, featuring students from the Sanabel troupe.