Khalil, Rafidi bring Birzeit University to Malta

Dr. Amir Khalil, the external academic relations officer at Birzeit University, and Tina Rafidi, assistant to the director of the Public Relations Office, met with staff members, employees, and students at the University of Malta in a 4-day visit to the university that bolstered cooperation between the two institutions of higher education.  

The visit, which took place on June 4-8, 2018, saw Khalil and Rafidi discuss Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility opportunities – the visit was part of the mobility program – student and staff exchange programs, joint capacity building training workshops and lectures, and scholarships for Palestinian students. 

The team also explored methods and techniques to promote scholastic achievements and community engagement with the University of Malta’s Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office. 

Rafidi, who is also an instructor in the Department of Languages and Translation at Birzeit University, joined professors from the Department of Translation, Terminology & Interpreting Studies and discussed cooperation on research projects, course syllabi, and joint lectures and workshops between the two languages departments. 

“We strive to provide Birzeit University students with a worldwide, holistic perspective, and part of that is maintaining, and establishing, channels of cooperation and coordination with various universities and colleges around the world,” said Khalil, adding that such cooperation will bring tremendous benefits to students of both universities. 

During the course of their visit, Khalil and Rafidi met with Fadi Hanania, the Palestinian ambassador to Malta, and reviewed joint pedagogical programs between Malta and Palestine and scholarship opportunities for Palestinian students. 

“Our aim was to increase Birzeit University’s visibility, introduce ourselves to the University of Malta, and hopefully establish the ground rules for future cooperation and internationalization. We did that, and much more,” remarked Rafidi. “We’ve made some great friendships, shared novel ideas and concepts, and planned for a slew of joint projects that will surely propel both universities to great heights.”