German Representative visits to discuss enhanced cooperation through DAAD programs

Head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah Christian Clages visited Birzeit University on February 13, 2019, and met with President Abdullatif Abuhijleh to further strengthen the long-standing academic ties and cooperation between the two parties.

Assistant to the president Aziz Shawabka, Vice President for Academic Affairs Henry Giacaman, External Academic Relations Officer Amir Khalil, and Director of the DAAD Information Center in East Jerusalem Christina Stahlbock attended the meeting.

Abuhijleh emphasized the vibrant relationship between Birzeit University and the DAAD. “Germany has always been a great supporter to Palestine,” he affirmed, adding that “The DAAD office in Palestine reflects Germany’s strong commitment and active efforts to promote academic and cultural prosperity in Palestine.”

The president expressed his appreciation for the DAAD – with one of its offices located at Birzeit University − granting a great number of scholarships and promoting internationalization activities between German and Palestinian universities, thereby “strengthening language studies and helping us build a valuable, solid basis of academic research through accomplished DAAD alumni.”

Khalil pointed out that “seven Birzeit University students are getting ready to study during the upcoming summer semester at the University of Melbourne, while eight of our students are currently enrolled at various German universities as part of the Erasmus+ exchange program.”

After the meeting, Clages met with a group of alumni and current students to discuss their experience at the university’s bachelor program in Teaching German as a Foreign Language. The students shared with the representative their motivation to study German and future career plans.

The DAAD office at Birzeit University offers academic exchange opportunities for faculty, students, and staff. A number of German master’s and PhD students visit Palestine annually on scholarships for studies and research. Beyond these individual grants, DAAD provides assistance for institutional cooperation activities between German and Palestinian institutions of higher education.