Yesterday at the English Language Testing Society (ELTSociety) Annual Virtual Conference 2024, Hekmat Shabayek’s workshop was enlightening to learn about the unique strategies and techniques used in this crucial aspect of language testing. Thank you English Language Testing Society (ELTSociety) for organizing such a valuable session! and keep going Hekmat Shabayek
The chance to visit Africa, and more specific an Arab country with so much history as Egypt has, made the decision very easy. PUA offered the necessities and quality needed for my bachelor thesis to be conducted.
The exchange lasted 8 weeks in total.
Prof. Andrew Martin from KTH scouted for students to participate in a collaboration with PUA and KTH, me and my colleagues applied and were accepted.
The difference is a more direct contact or line of communication in PUA compared to KTH. The relationships between pupils and professors are more personal than in KTH. Moreover, the learning is more of a practical character in PUA than in KTH, where the approach is often more theoretical and is conducted to bring discussion.
They have been excellent in supporting all causes, the communication line is very clear and everyone, including students, are very generous and show great hospitality. Our Egyptian colleagues, whom we collaborate with, have excellent knowledge in their field and are easy to discuss with.
Since we have a specific collaboration, our working day consists mainly of own work on the project with some discussions in between with our Egyptian colleagues.
Meeting all the different people, from the Dean of Engineering, to our lovely supervisor Dr. Norhan and all the students willing to greet us and make us feel welcome!
Adapting to the difference between Swedish and Arabic culture, but it has been very fun to observe and learn the language, food culture and so on!
Alexandria has been wonderful, it is truly a city with lots of history and a beautiful shoreline to the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt biggest asset is its people, the hospitality and generosity are always above and beyond.
The different mix of cultures combined from the different eras in Alexandria, the Greek, roman, and so on all mixed together makes the city a beautiful historical place.
Feel free to talk to people, they will most surely help you or make your life easier in some way. Also, the seafood here is amazing, you have to try the crab soup at the fish market!
I have met amazing people whom I will remember, the new culture has been really fun to observe and live with and has opened up the interest to explore Egypt more in the future. I have also gained a more practical understanding in my field of engineering, something that I greatly appreciate.
The main objectives of this mobility are:
- Explore the master program in Electrical Engineering in KTH.
- Investigate the availability of joint undergraduate projects submission.
- Acquire new teaching and learning skills from KTH.
- Reinforcement the cooperation between KTH and PUA.
A month.
Through a presentation in front of the vice president and the international relations coordinator of PUA University. The presentation includes my goals to this grant of the Erasmus+ staff mobility program and this is done after the submission of the motivation letter and my CV to them.
There are so many differences:
• Labs and lectures are highly informative and direct the students to a huge amount of data and information.
• The estimated learning hours of each course are longer, which means the students can learn the courses deeper. Also, the theory learning is always followed with the practical work, such as labs and project work.
• The organization of the academic year in four periods, each one with two courses to attempt, makes easier the planning of studying as well as the preparation of examination.
• The students are ambitious not only to get a good mark but also to really understand the subjects and above all, getting practical experience.
• Here students, researchers and teachers seem to be at same level with the same importance even if covering different roles. Furthermore, transparency and meritocracy are conditions without which KTH could not exist. All the people from students to professors form a great academic group providing a motivating study and research environment.
• KTH is the best place for an engineer with education and career ambitions.
Yes.
Classes take usually 8 hours, from 8 am to 5 pm with one hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Many projects and assignments require you to stay at campus even if you do not have classes that day. For example, during afternoon, if there are no lectures, group members from courses have meetings and discussion at many places created for them because they need a space for studying in silence and finish their tasks.
KTH proved that it has an incomparable high level of education and wide range of educational support like a great library, supporting efficient teachers and many interesting seminars not only related to the studied field.
Because this is the first time I went to Stockholm, so the biggest challenge was reaching to my place of residence.
- Stockholm is quite unique in comparison with other European capitals.
- It is a clean and beautiful city with large water areas and historic buildings.
- It is quiet and tidy and there are many tourist spots.
- Urban architecture is spread out among its islands creating space for many green areas.
- Swedish people are so nice and happy to help you. They can speak fluent English no matter they are young or old.
- Although Sweden is not that much populated, satisfying public facilities and provided infrastructures has made the life easy for everyone.
Sweden is something much more than I expected. This country has impressed me with its landmarks, calm people, and the very positive and relaxed attitude towards everyday life. Furthermore, it is easy to communicate with people in Sweden as they are almost well familiar with the English as an international language.
I just want to say that I have been feeling really lucky to get the chance visiting KTH University. I strongly advise my colleagues to do the same.
Yes. I can bring in my department new learning and teaching skills and also make a proposal for the master program.
- My personal and teaching skills were improved.
- New experiences and practices were gained.
- My professional and personal development were changed.
- Our motivation in moving forward into progress must be kept up in every work we do and never give up and should always proceed onwards to development.
I consider the visit to the School of Pharmacy, UEF, as a lifetime experience that I believe it is a milestone in my career. It is a significant opportunity to discover innovative and different teaching and research techniques as well as to explore new foreign culture that is definitely motivational and very inspirational to my career
The exchange period was 8 days
The journey started after my motivation letter was selected by Prof. Dr. Maged ElGhazouly, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing. I was one of 5 lecturers who were chosen to present their motivations to contribute in such exchange program in front of Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Mohey ElDin, President of Pharos University in Alexandria and Prof. Dr. Nourhan Fanaky, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs.
I think they are different in the time and resources available for their research. In addition, most of them are working as a multidisciplinary team which collaborate together for successful publications
All the staff members I had met were very helpful and sociable. They were discussing in details their research interest and the curriculum they are teaching with highlighting the innovative teaching methodologies they are implementing
Their regular day starts at 8:00 am in the morning. Their day is divided into different tasks including teaching, laboratory sessions, seminars, meetings and research. At about 12:00 pm, they have their lunches and breaks. After that, they regularly meet their masters and Ph.D. candidates. Overall, they are trying to implement different innovative strategies in their lectures and they are more devoted to their research and international publications. The day usually ends at 4:00 or 5:00 pm.
I had a great chance to meet Prof. Dr. Antti Poso and Prof. Dr. Maija Lahtela-Kakkonen who have a proficiency in drug design and had the chance to try “Molecular Operating Environment, MOE” software, one of the programs they use in docking. In addition, I visited Kuopio University Hospital and saw the robots used in drug dispensing and chemotherapeutic preparations. In addition, the visit to the animal house was very fruitful.
Everything was in Finnish language; all the signs in the streets and all the products, so situations like purchasing groceries or riding a Taxi with a driver who cannot speak English were challenging
It is fascinating country as it is part of Europe. Kuopio is a calm part of Finland and it is a beautiful city with magnificent landscape full of forests and lakes. The technology is in everything in their life, even for bike renting. The transportation tickets are booked via an application.
The weather surprised me as I literally saw the four seasons in one week. The weather rapidly changes even in the same day. It can start sunny and end with snow. In addition, I attended the festival of the “Labor Day”, which is in the first of May, just like Egypt. It is a special event there; the students wear special outfits with a color that indicates which faculty they are enrolled in. The graduates wear a white cap to indicate that they are graduated one day from University. Another special day is “May Day”, which is a celebration for the coming of spring season. I enjoyed the Finnish tradition at this time of the year, Munkkia (a kind of donuts) and Simaa (a special drink).
It is important to apply for Visa early enough before the visit. In addition, I recommend staying in the guest room in the university as it saved a lot of time without any need for the transportation especially in snowy days
As a university staff member, I believe that this visit was substantial to my professional expertise. One important thing is that I am planning to apply flipped classroom in my courses to develop a more self-learner pharmacists.
I think the visit helped me to build up more connections with a lot of professors and staff members either in pharmacology or other specialties. In addition, I got some knowledge about Finland such as their traditional food and souvenirs.
To gain more experience about teaching methods, to get introduced to a new culture, to widen my professional network, to know more about the curriculum of the courses in the KTH and compare it to ours in PUA. My main mission was about the BIM courses to transfer the way of teaching and to know all the courses that are taught in the KTH as PUA is starting to teach this new technology.
It was one month.
I have been chosen through a process that started by a call to all the staff members for whoever wants to submit a motivation letter to be chosen. Then there was an interview with the faculty of engineering dean and head of departments. Then there was an interview with the head of international relations and the representatives of university’s president.
It differs a lot as the number of years for the university education at the KTH are 3 for bachelor degree and most of the students there continue post graduate studies for 2 years to complete their master’s degree. One of the great differences is that all the master or PhD thesis are concerned with the industry to solve problems or to renovate the technology of construction.
They were very helpful as they provided me with all data I wanted. They gave me from their time to ask about all information I wanted. I had an access from them to a lot of research papers. I also attended a PhD defense while I was there.
The regular day starts at 8 am by attending lecture for 3 or 4 hours depends on the course. Then from 12 to 1 pm, it’s a lunch break for all teachers and students. From 1 pm till 4 or 5 pm it’s a workshop for the lecture in the morning. At somedays maybe sitting in the library for some research.
Giving a lecture about BIM implementation to the undergraduate students at the BIM1 course.
To get as much information as I can that can benefit my studies and benefit my department at PUA.
It was so cold at that time in January and February, but a beautiful city. People are so helpful. All of them can speak English so it was easy to communicate with them. It was empty as the population of Sweden is so small compared to ours in Egypt.
Every Tuesday at 10 pm a lot of people go out and scream with loud voice to get out the negative energy- as they assume-
They have to take heavy clothes if anyone is going through winter days. They need to benefit from the ideas of the projects that the students make in the courses. We need to enlarge the cooperation in the level of the students.
Of course, I have started to use what I have got through attending the BIM course at the KTH in teaching in the same course at my department at PUA. Also I have introduced through a presentation inside my department to the colleagues so any of them can gain any idea that can be executed in their courses.
I have enlarged my professional network with many researchers and students from many nationalities. I have been introduced to many cultures. I have enhanced my English language by practicing it for 1 month. I have got many information that I can use through my master thesis.
My trip was part of a grant of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Program. The main purpose of the trip was to adopt new teaching methods, interactive learning methods and assessment methods. In addition, visit the laboratories and workshops. Another personal purpose was to network with people interested in the field of my PhD research and exchange knowledge with them.
The exchange period was for 10 days.
I applied for it at the PUA. The application included a motivation letter, my CV and a valid IELTS certificate. Then I have done a presentation on the purpose of my application to this visit. The attendees of the presentation were the Vice President of the PUA and the International Relations Coordinator at the PUA.
I have attended lectures, practical tutorials and seminars during my short visit. There are several differences, some of them are minor but others are major differences. Starting with the minor differences: The lecturer is on time sharp in the classroom but starts the lecture after 15 minutes. Students are allowed to enter/leave the classroom upon their wish. Many students do not follow the instructor, instead they work on their laptops or mobile phones, but they do not interrupt the lesson in any way. If from noon till 1:00 pm there is a lecture, students are allowed to eat their lunch. As for the major differences: The time management differs from an instructor to another. For example, some instructors divide the lecture to 4 parts: 30 minutes’ lecture followed by a 15 minutes task, in which students work in groups. The instructor then discusses briefly the outcomes of the group task. After the discussion a 15 minutes break is given. After the break the lecture is continued for 30 minutes followed by a group task for another 15 minutes. Other instructors divide the lectures just in two parts: 45 minutes lecture followed by a 15 minutes break, then the lecture is continued for another 45 minutes. Students work with their own hands in the workshop. They are divided in groups with a maximum of 6 students in one group depending on the available space. The lecturer is the one who teaches the students how to work, a technician assists him. I attended a seminar, in which interactive learning was used in a very instructive way.
Definitely yes. They were more than helpful.
Most of the lectures start at 10:00 am, only few start at 9:00 am. From 12:00 pm till 1:00 pm it’s lunch time. There are several restaurants at the campus where students and staff can buy food. Each department has a large kitchen, where students and staff can heat their own food in the microwave and make a cup of coffee or tea. After lunch, lectures and tutorials are continued and may extend till 7:00 pm.
The best part was to experience the link between the academic part and the practical part, whether in the University or outside with the industry, where Master and PhD students deal with solving actual problems present in the industry.
The biggest challenge was not to get lost in the KTH campus.
It is an extremely organized country with perfect transportation facilities. The people are very friendly and helpful. All the locals speak English, unlike many other European countries. There just two disadvantages: everything is very expensive and the weather is very cold, even during spring time.
The thing that has surprised me is that locals wear summer clothing at 3º C weather. And the thing that impressed me is how organized people at Sweden are.
My advice to them is to wear warm clothes and avoid travelling to Sweden in winter.
Applying interactive learning in the proper way and letting students depend more on themselves regarding their tasks instead of spoon feeding them with the solutions.
On a personal level, I have realized after this experience that life doesn’t have to be as stressful as we think it is. Problems become more complicated in a stressful environment.
I went there as a part of ICM program among the agreement between KTH and PUA
10 days
There educaltional system consists of 3-years program BSc and 2 years Msc. The computer and electrical engineering are merged in one schoo;
Yes,
Student : attend lectures and lab sessions Teacher : give lectures, participate in meetings related to research projects
Meeting with master programs directors and advanced abs
How to meet as much professor sand places in a short time
Very clean and well organized. People are very decent
No need for private car, you can depend on public transportation
You should plan your schedule prior to your trip through emails in order to achieve maximum efficiency of your trip
Yes, the criteria on which advanced topics in telecommunications and electronics are designed in addition to a list of elective courses
How to deal with staff from different academic environment
Being best authentic private university in Alexandria with highly qualified cooperative Teaching staff from professors to demonstrators is reason enough for anyone to join your University.
In my opinion, the university announced for scholarship was a great opportunity to discover their teaching methods and facilities whilst still student in PUA, as well as experience first-hand the European scandanavian culture.
About four months since 3rd/sept/2018 to 20th/dec/2018
By assessing applicant English proficiency, recommendation letter from my professors, motivation letter and interviews was also done to assess student social and academic background as well as their overall character.
I come to appreciate PUA methods of teaching students which literally ensures graduating students of solid pharmaceutical background .This was proved with the self-study of my courses abroad in UEF were if it weren’t for the assignments, self-study chapters , interactive activities done in PUA I wouldn’t have been able to study whole courses alone.
Yes, they were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the semester. English language hasn’t been easy with some of the professors but most of them I managed to understand their requirements and how to study the required course contents. Even, with issuing the official transcript it was done smoothly.
Day started at 8 am, my dorm was about a 20 minute walk from the campus. I attend my lab work either of medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutical technology till 11.30 am, then lunch break starts at campus for about an hour I join my colleagues then continue to another building with the Library and study are facilities where I read, study and summarize for about 3-4 hrs. By 5 pm, I return home and join my friends in dorm for a dinner and discussing our day. By 9 pm, time to sleep to start a fresh new day.
Snow winter season after the green orange leaves of Autumn.There was a huge contrast between each season .In addition, the Viking scandanavian food and finnish sweets was a real delicacy.
Getting used to the real cold of Finland and having to wear gloves, cap and scarves almost everywhere I go out even if it was simply to buy some groceries for about 10 minutes.
Strange musical sound of the city which turned to be a small friendly village when I arrived there. Finland, most famously for Nokia phone products which turned out to be a famous city named NOKIA in Northern Finland and of course a good rank in education.
Sauna is a must in every house and of course the large number of lakes and green trees everywhere; I almost got lost one day in them.
Better to buy winter material clothes, gloves, caps from Finland with a better thermal resistance than in Egypt. Second hand shops will be very handy in furnishing a student room for winter.
There’s more to see abroad beyond what we are used to and comfortable with. Knowing English is not enough when you communicate with others. Living independently is the best way to know oneself and focus on strengthening improving character.
I choose Pharos University because it is one of the top 10 universities in the Republic of Egypt and its close relationship between other international universities, especially the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
To gain experience of travel without parents and self-reliance and to see the cultures of other countries
It was 3 months
I think because I worked hard to study architecture and got the highest grades and excelled at the University of Pharos
The practical work in KTH is more than in PUA, the way of learning differs a lot, the student in KTH is more independent.
Yes of course everything was organized and developed and I have encountered some problems and the specialist helped me quickly
I go to my Studio at 9:00 AM, there is a lunch break at 12:00 PM, interactive learning is their way of learning, so it is every exciting,
The way they deal with me I did not feel that I am strange, Learn about a new place, new language, new people, exchange experiences and knowledge
To gain much experience as I could, and travel as much as possible, it’s the best chance ever to learn more.
It is a very calm country, I really excited about it, it is a very organized city, and it's very respectful for human being specially the disable people.
I was surprised as there are many students speaking English basically everywhere, and the freedom of independence from my parents is a wonderful thing to try
Use time well to gain new and good skills and information, and make sure to spend every second in something useful.
Self-reliance, good planning for the future, time Management, from knowledge sharing, and good relations with my Swedish friends
Because of the excellent educational level offered by pharos university.
To gain a new experience and knew the difference between education in Egypt and abroad.
3 months
I was nominated by my department then I have passed the language test and an interview with university administration.
The biggest difference is that students there depend on themselves a lot in the education.
Yes they was very helpful and give us help in everything we needed.
Lectures starts at 8 o’clock every lecture is 2 hours there is a 15 min break after the first hour. from 12 to 1 o’clock there is launch break after that we complete our lectures and helping sessions.
Dealing with different cultures and nationalities every day in the university.
Self-reliance in daily life matters such as food preparation and laundry.
Stockholm gives off a very organized clean and efficient vibe. much of the city has new construction and development. Everything is clean, organized and running smoothly.
Yes, in addition to the pleasing architecture, Stockholm is filled with nature and beauty. with compact islands filled with parks
They have to make sure to take advantage of every moment they stay there.
Self-reliance, ability to deal with different cultures and work perfection
I choose Pharos University to study because I knew about the agreement dual bachelor degree from both KTH and PUA which gives international exposure. Also its one of the best University for the education perspectives.
To gain experience, knowledge. Also to explore different cultures and know the least technology and trend in architecture.
3 months
First I have been writing my CV and motivation letter. Second I have been through 2 interviews and English test.
The practical work in KTH is more than in PUA, the way of learning differs a lot, the student in KTH is more independent.
Yes, they are so helpful.
I go to my studio/lecture, have a lunch break at 12.00 it was a good time to interact with my colleges and we have a regular presentation each week that we discuss in our work.
Exploring the new place and new culture. Practicing English language, exchange experiences and knowledge.
To gain much experience as I could and to have the responsibility of everything in my life.
It is an amazing country really as they say about it a walkable city. I t is a very organized city beautiful building and parks.
Actually all the people there speaks English so it was easily to communicate with any person. Also they are very respectful.
Do your best to gain that exchange. You will not only learn in a different way no you will gain a lot of skills and experience that will change your life and point of view to anything you see.
Time Management
Self-indecency
Self –confident Practicing English
I choose Pharos University to study because it is one of the universities that help on producing good generations.
To gain experience and knowledge from other countries that could help me in my future sake concerning the Architecture Engineering.
3 months
By owning high grades, good communication skills and language.
KTH helps students to depend more on themselves “Self-Learning”, and owns different ways in giving lectures. Also, it is different in the way of the studio and site visit
Yes, everything was well organized and helpful
I go to my lecture, discuss my work with the professors, know my points of weakness and work on them. Besides that, I take a lunch break from 12pm till 1pm and then I can continue my work in the studio.
Working in group work through the studio and discuss the project together. Also, the site visits there are more interesting.
To go back gaining more experience, new language, new friends, and depending on myself.
It is amazing and well-organized country with different culture.
I was surprised that there were discounts, especially in the transportation and food, everywhere for the students, helping them.
Manage their time well to have some fun beside gaining more experiences.
Self-study plan
Self-dependent Time
Management
I heard about the transportation project from my teacher at KTH. I chose PUA for exhange to write my bachelor thesis.
3 months.
By my teacher at KTH.
I have nit participated in any courses but otherwise, there are differences such as school rules, computer lab.
Yes, they have been helpful all the period and it was easy to communicate with them.
I really liked student activities, it is a chance to meet other students and have fun together.
A new cultur, new people and much work.
A very beautiful stad with its wonderful sea. A traffic that makes you do not want to out at all. Very friendly and social persons in all Egypt.
Traffic congestion is a big problem. People are very nice and easy to talk with.
I have taken so much experience. To work and deal with people from other cultures, to live without family. I have learned so much during my exchange period.
Because it is one of best universities in Alexandria.
It was a good chance to gain experience.
Three months.
I have been chosen by my professors.
The students at KTH is more independent.
Yes, they were very helpful.
In a regular day, I wake up at 7 am. Have breakfast. At 8 am I arrive at KTH to take my first lecture. Throughout the day it`s mostly attending class, if there is no class I`m in the library.
I learned to be more independent and of course getting to know new cultures, new stuff and new people.
To gain much experience as I could.
It is very beautiful country. It is clean, quiet and not so busy as you would expect from a capital. There is a very good, clean and organized public transportation.
People in Sweden are kind and they are nice to foreigners.
Use time will to gain more information.
Self -reliance and Time Management.
As Pharos is one from the best universities in Egypt, it was recommended for me.
It was the best chance ever to learn a lot about everything, their way of studying, their work during their lectures and tutorial.
It was for 3 months.
I was able to get the highest grades so that I could get my professors' nomination and I worked hard on it
In KTH the study cares about practical work than the theoretical one, even the theoretical one based on something that related to your work after being graduated and the students in KTH are more independent. That was the clear difference between PUA and KTH
Yes of course every thing is organized and they are so helpful, they helped us a lot as much as they could, they help us in many problems that faced us despite it isn’t related to our study.
Everyday there was a lecture or laboratory so I attend, there is a break each one hour, interactive learning is their way of learning, so it is every exciting,
Learning more about a new culture, new language, new people, exchange experiences and knowledge.
To gain much experience as I could, it’s the best chance ever to learn more.
It is a perfect country, I really excited here. It is a very organized city and not so crowded as you would expect for a capital.
I was surprised as there are many students speaking English basically everywhere, so I have the impression that is the official language here.
Use time well to gain new and good skills and information, as it is the best chance ever to gain more and to be qualified.
Good planning for the future
Time Management
Benefit from knowledge sharing
Independent
I am Dalia Yehia, assistant lecturer in clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice department in the Faculty of pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA). I am a member of summer training committee, and quality committee within Pharos University. Currently, I am a PhD student at the High Institute of Public Health (HIPH), in Alexandria University.
During Fall 2018, I have been accepted in staff exchange program at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), in Kuopio, Finland for three months from September till end of November 2018. I went for staff exchange because it holds an opportunity fot joint research, working with multidisciplinary international team in addition to learning about different teaching methodologies.
In comparison to the situation in Egypt, teaching at UEF is more or less the same. Regardings research, UEF dedicated its staff and fund for multidisciplinary research groups for new innovations and publications.
In general, Finns are shy and quiet. From my experience, they are very welcoming, helpful and hospitable. An International once said:” if you make a Finnish friend, you get a lifetime friend.”
Usually the regular day starts early with lectures or research work, then they have a midday lunch break, then they resume the work. During lectures, a break of 5-10 minutes was given to students every one hour. During the practical labs in the clinical pharmacokinetics course, students were required to solve certain number of cases along the course term without adhering to time required for the labs. So that, students can spend the time during the lab which was 4-5 hours in solving the cases, and taking breaks.
I have participated at the international day at UEF to encourage international students to participate in exchange programs. The best part was conversations I had about Egypt, history, PUA and even Arabic language.
At the begining of this experience, being away from my comfort zone, and as expected I took some time to get used to using maps, be aware of details of daily life and even reaching home, but based on my previous expeiences and with the help I got from colleagues, roommates, and even people in the street, life become familiar within few days.
Kuopio is a very beautiful city, full of forests and lakes with wonderful natural scenery. I liked it specially the peace and quietness that surround the place.
Life in Kuopio is very simple, people use bicycles a lot, and walking is part of their daily life. The idea of recycling is widespread which is very effective in keeping the city clean beside reducing the waste.
I strongly advice my colleagues to apply for the exchange program in the future to get in touch with different experiences in both research and teaching.
On a professional level, I have learned new techniques in research work at the lab. Concerning teaching, we started to use softwares like ”Dose me” at PUA that I used at UEF to facilitate Pharmacokinetics measurements of drugs which need therapeutic monitoring. In addition to practices related to evaluating students, and involvement of students in peer reviewing each other. Also considering students’ self-evaluation as an important part of the whole evaluation process.
On a personal level, it was a rich experience of independency in a different environment. I got to know myself more and learnt to cope within different environment and dealt with cultural differences while keeping my own values.
I believe that students might have to be involved in similar experiences (might be for shorter or longer period of time) to cooperate with students from other cultures and different backgrounds to increase their self-awareness and to work within multidisciplinary teams as well as to learn independency in searching and to apply systematic approach to understand challenging subjects.
My name is Alina Georgiana Sas. I am a responsible, creative, intelligent, lonely girl.
I went to PUA for student exchange because I wanted to see the differences between the courses and the laboratories compared to the faculty where I study in Romania. I stayed in PUA 4 month and 17 days.The difference between PUA and the University of Oradea is that in PUA there are many more students in courses and laboratories. At the University of Oradea few professors use projectors, more is used the writing in notebooks by the students.At the University of Oradea we have only one evaluation per semester, only the final exam for each subject at the end of the semester.PUA staff, both the teachers and the laboratory assistants were communicative and helpful.
A normal day as a student in the PUA is like this: in the morning at eight and a half, the first course or laboratory begins where the teacher does not give a break at all until ten and a half. Then if you are lucky you have two hours break and go to eat something and if it does not mean you have the next course and go without a break. In the break you can go to the teacher's office to ask if you didn't understand something in the lesson, and he will help you dearly. After completing the courses one day you can stop at a store with friends from PUA or you go home and prepare for the next day.
The most beautiful experience in PUA were the free Tuesday hours in which activities were carried out with students who wanted to participate, for example a talent shows organized on different days for each faculty. The biggest challenge: I try to express myself with people who do not know English but only Arabic. Alexandria is a very old city with many old buildings, but with a very beautiful view to the sea. You have to have money with you all the time especially if you are a foreigner because everything is paid at triple price compared to if you are Arab.People are very curious and friendly, but stressful. The dirt on the street is a big problem.
I was surprised, that all people want to take pictures with you if they notice that you are from another country.I advise other colleagues visiting PUA to be very well informed with the country in which they go and with the place where they will live. To be interested in the food of the respective country and to be able to cook in the place where they live. Be prepared for the weather as it is different in another country.I learned to deal with myself, without parents and I realized how much it means that you have people around you that you can communicate in your native language.
Hi, my name is Andrea Codrean, I am twenty years old, I live in a small village in Romania, I have a brother and a sister and i am studing medical physics in University of Oradea.
In the beginning I just wanted to go and see another culture, another type of people, other opinions and another style of life. When doctor Monica presented me all the courses and the opportunities in PUA I decided to go there. Our exchange period was 4 months and 20 days in Alexandria.
The biggest difference is in the labs. In Oradea our labs are more theoretical, but in PUA the practical part was really practical. In Oradea we don’t have a website for the lectures so we have to write it or to buy the book.
Everyone at PUA was cooperating and tried to help us, but it wasn’t that easy to communicate because not everyone knows English.
A usual day started in the morning when we get up to go to coursee, everyday we had a lecture and a lab and in some days an hour or two free between this couses. In those free hours we went to the food court to eat something or to Green plata. And then we go back to our hostel to eat to study for the next day and maybe to go see around Alexandria a little bit
I think the best part in the university was the labs, I love doing things with my own hands. The best part in general was meeting such different and beautiful people. The biggest challenge was the language, its really hard to study just in English since all my life I studyed in Romanian and also not so many people in shops transportation or street speak English and it was hard to ask for help
I think Egypt and Alexandria are so beautiful, there are so many old and impresive places and I love that and also people are soooo friendly, they were satuting us on the street, everyone wants to talk to You to know You, just to be your friend, but so few know English.
The traffic was a surprise, that You can cross the street trough wherever You want. The food, is so delicious. The weather, it was colder than I thought. I advise colleagues coming to PUA in the future to be very patient, to be very friendly and just to enjoy the experience.
On the personal level, I am stronger, I've learned to be more tolerant, I've learned to appreciate all the things I have back home
I can introduce myself in a few words. I am an assistant professor at PUA in Alexandria. I earned my PhD in physics; in the area of electromagnetic fields and its biophysical interactions with microorganisms since December-2013. I am working in the department of basic sciences at the Faculty of Engineering. I am teaching Engineering Physics, Modern Physics and Solid State Electronics.
I am eager to benefit from the Erasmus+ staff exchange program, as I will get to know new innovative resources, vibrant intellectual atmosphere and a comprehensive curriculum. It’s a great opportunity for me to enlightenment my teaching experience with their considerable pedagogical strategies.
Short Visit, 1st to 5th OCT; 2018
It was very helpful to visit AUTh, as it is not so far from our pace; they have same economic and social constraints and they are coping with it. I observed the level of technology that they have and how it works in different directions to serve market needs and field requirements (based on companies collaborations and getting funds from scientific projects).
Yes, they were so helpful and very kind. Moreover, I didn’t find any hard to meet them.
By attending lectures I noticed that they don’t have advanced pedagogical strategies than what we have (chalk board, white board, power point presentations and smart screens).
I found how they take the challenge of economical issues seriously and cope with it.
Some hard and soft materials were written in Greek language.
I felt it almost Alexandria with the sense of ancient Greek.
It is a very youth city.
Increase the possibility of collaboration with the other departments and Faculties.
Knowing considerable pedagogical strategies for teaching courses and ability of building a comprehensive curriculum. Getting the know how of creating new creative, innovative teaching resources. Knowing how they conduct to industrial and actual market needs. Finally, opened possible ways of cooperation between both universities.
Meeting with new people from different culture, enhancing my English language, dealing with different circumstances and finally getting new contacts and friends.
I am lecturer of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry at Pharos University. I teach and supervise Senior students to give them the basic knowledge of the child development & psychology, with Comprehensive understanding of different behavior modification techniques so they become able to clinically perform simple restorative procedures for children with full coverage of primary molars. Additionally, I supervise some of the undergraduate students' researches. I am also responsible of the faculty timetables committee. I have an administrative role at the students’ registrar bureau as well as an advisory role being the deputy general academic advisor. Currently I am a member of the international ranking committee at PUA
I believed that visiting such a reputable University would be of a great value to gain more experience, allowing me to interact and adapt with different cultures and to share experiences with the University staff members. Getting to know the newest teaching methods and how to apply them would serve me in implementing them in our University. I was interested in knowing their scheme on how they evaluate their undergraduate students, motivating them to do better. Moreover, I wanted to see their application of rubrics and how this affects the level of understanding for the students. Another aspect concerning this visit that I would have the opportunity to get involved in sharing their academic advising methods as I believe that academic advising has a great impact on our students’ education and on their success. It was important for me, as well, to be acquainted with modern technologies in caries diagnosis in Pediatric Dentistry and enrich myself with novel research methods enabling me to conduct advanced researches through hopefully collaborative work between Pharos University and the Eastern University of Finland. As a part of my role at the students’ registrar bureau, I am responsible for scheduling the courses timetable for all terms. It is challenging as I have to coordinate the lecturers’ own schedule with the availability of the provided lecture rooms. I hoped through this visit that I would enhance such skill to accomplish it with minimum time and zero error or overlaps.
10 days
At UEF, instead of an ordinary lab with microscopes, they use multiple large touch screens for slides viewing and zooming during histological and pathological sessions. The lab is equipped with multiple tables where the students sit, and each group can watch on their large screen whatever lesions and tissues or any demonstration needed. They can zoom in to see the finest details of what’s inside the tissue cells. They can touch any part on the screen, so this is a question for the instructor to answer.
They have simulation lab which is much simulating the dental clinic. It has dental units, dental chairs, network and monitors where the student can see the demonstration live through documentation camera. They learn the right sitting position of a dentist and how to hold the handpiece and they are being evaluated for this every session. They work on phantom head attached to thorax to simulate the patient on the dental unit. They have different typodonts to simulate the different dental situations, restorations, pulp therapy, extraction, local anesthesia administration, periodontal diseases, orthodontics and restoration & pulp therapy of primary dentition
The patients’ clinic is highly equipped and uses the highest infection control measures. The students use software to upload the patient’s data and dental charting. They have rooms for making x-ray for their patient which is digitally processed and uploaded to the patient file.
Yes, they were all cooperative. Communication with them was accessible as you can knock at any door of any of the professors and the one inside will answer you with all what’s in his power and will help in any possible way.
Most of them get to the campus riding a bicycle. They start their day at 8 am whether a lecture, lab, simulator or a clinic. They have a lunch break from 11 am to 1 pm. They finish the working day by 4 pm
They have the priorities of caries prevention as a community measure. They have difficulty in recruiting patients as dental caries is not prevailing in the country. The best part showed up when I had only one chance to see a pediatric patient. He was caries free and was smiling and cooperative during the dental examination although he was just a three year old child.
Internal transportation from or to Helsinki airport. Although natives are so friendly but the signs were not always in English and of course getting on the wrong train or missing its departure were great problems to me.
Clean environment. You can breathe fresh air. Everything is on time. Quiet and non crowded streets. Very cold weather compared to Egypt. It was rainy most of the time but you can’t trace it on the ground
I was truly fascinated by the forestry there. What I saw in this country was so impressive; its cleanliness, its quietness. It is a friendly society and all citizens are decent, polite and cheerful greeting you with a smile and are most helpful.
I think it would be better in the future if the going staff will communicate with the staff there before traveling and to have a solid plan to execute upon arriving. It was a little bit foggy for both sides in the beginning. PhD students should have the chance to go and do research with the staff over there. It is not possible for dental researchers to work there on patients as they don’t have license, but this could be overcome through invitro studies.
Definitely. I already used one of their interactive teaching methods in my lectures for senior students. I also told other staff members about these new methods and how to use them in their courses.
Just meeting with new people and being in contact with new cultures is of great value to expand my own way of thinking.
I am Dr. Mohamed Elkholy, and I am lecturer at Computer Engineering Department Faculty of Engineering at PUA
I went to KTH as a part of staff mobility program for Erasmus+. I went there to analyse different courses and new methods of teaching and assessments. The exchange period was one month. I was chosen from the faculty of engineering after a presentation that clarify my aims of the traveling and my plans to get benefit from this program, then this presentation with repeated at the international relationship office.
Studies and research at KTH is little bit closer to the market needs. All KTH staff members were very helpful to me.
A regular day includes joining lectures and exercise and meeting with staff members. The best part of my experience was visiting research centres and super computer centre. My biggest challenge was to collect all required information in a short time
Stockholm is a very beautiful city and Sweden people re very kind.
I was not surprised from the life at Stockholm as it is very similar to life at big European cities.
I advise colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange to do their best to collect more and more information about the education process at KTH
I got experience that will help me at PUA such as new courses and new teaching methods
I am Dr. Samar Ossama el Ganainy, a lecturer in department of pharmacology & therapeutics, faculty of pharmacy. I am also the general academic advisor of the faculty. I participated in an Erasmus+ staff mobility program between PUA and UEF (University of Eastern Finland). My mobility program included a training schedule. My exchange period was 10 days.
Studies in University of Eastern Finland differ in using highly interactive methods especially with the implementation of flipped classroom project and changing the learning environment. Research in University of eastern Finland is very advanced with high-tech instruments and advanced lab facilities. Researchers’ high intellectual capability also ensures highly advanced studies in all fields.
All staff & professors at university of Eastern Finland were very cooperative and tried to help us to fulfill our timetable and arrange additional on-site meetings.
The best part of my visit to university of eastern Finland is exchanging different intellectual & cultural insights with professors and researchers. My biggest challenge is to benefit maximally from my visit time to arrange meetings and see new implemented techniques in teaching and research.
Kuopio, Finland is a small beautiful city full of lakes & forest with a charming nature. It’s very quiet especially with its small population. However, people are very kind and helpful. I was surprised how people in Kuopio, Finland love liquorice! They have a large variety of liquorice products. I was glad to see snow falling on the trees on my last day, it was a different experience for me although all people there were annoyed form snow falling almost half of the year.
My advice for colleagues at PUA who will travel to arrange their schedule before their visit for more meetings and tour visits to explore all university facilities.
The advanced teaching techniques, particularly flipped classroom techniques that I have explored in the partner university can be brought to my university especially that development of more interactive learning environment gain special focus in PUA. On the personal level, i have recognized different culture and observed a different country form my home country. I have learned about Finnish people and Finnish culture.
I travelled to JAMK University for applied science for teaching staff exchange for 5 Days. I have been nominated by my faculty dean and interviewed by high level committee assigned by the University.
The studies and researches at JAMK University for applied science differ in comparison to my previous experience as it provides:
Staff, professors, researchers and others of JAMK University for applied science were very helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate.
My regular day as a teacher at JAMK University for applied science starts by Campus tour , meetings with staff members or adminstration, then giving lecture, Lunch, complete lecture, leaving campus to make free city tour, or visit to home of a staff member.
The best part of my experience at JAMK University for applied science was giving lectures to international students, concept lab session attendance, home visit to one of the teaching staff, and attending ice hockey match.
The biggest challenge for me during my trip was the train that i have to change in a certain point within ten minutes.
My impressions of Finland and Jyväskylä city are:
Finland is a nordic country deserves being number one poulation in happiness indicator world wide, also the first educational system in Europe , and the 4th rank in education system worldwide, with population of 5 millions, and very developed transportation system , in addition to their advanced rank in technology.
Jyväskylä is a beatiful city, with very friendly and civilized population about 300 000 people .Furthermore, it is a student-friendly city offering a wide range of activities and opportunities, a modern centre for industry and learning, a “pocket size metropol” with a lively urban centre, all the services, shops, schools and work are close at hand, and a wide variety of leisure and sport activities.
My advices for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange at JAMK University for applied science, that they have to focus on their predefined goals and discuss every detail in their visiting agenda, focus on practical results, new ideas and practicies. Moreover, find out the reasons behind every differnt and new teaching method. And Finally try to develop and mainatin an excellent and continous relationship with their teaching staff.
This experience added to my professional role at PUA a lot, including new practices such as innovation week, new courses like concept lab, new teaching strategies such as self-learning, and removing pressure on students (tasks due dates, and exams) preparing online courses, as well as, using the available resources effectively such as the Library.
I have taken with me from this experience on a personal level, was how to acheive the educational goals without pressure on my students, as well as, the great experience of teaching mobility for international students, experiencing new culture, and building excellent network with experts and teaching staff at JAMK University.
- A broader understanding of practices, policies and systems in education and training at JAMK University.
- Improvment of teaching and research skills.
- Increased capacity to trigger changes in terms of modernisation and international opening within my University.
- Increased motivation and satisfaction in my daily work and share my experience to inspire my colleagues.
- Increased joint researches between the two Universities.
- Exchange experience in regards to supporting academic growth of staff.
- Increased support for mobility activities.
From [02/06/2019] till [08/06/2019]
They are giving a lot of attention to student-based learning; thus, all their teaching and research activities and strategies are designed accordingly.
Gaining a broader understanding of how to create an engaging and interactive studying atmosphere.
To find halal food.
Very organized and clean with a lot of trees everywhere.
The intensive use of bicycles for better health and more fun.
Try to get the benefit of every single second during your visit because there's a lot of things to be learned there.
For sure a lot of things, for example, the exploration of innovative learning strategies and techniques, which will lead to a higher degree of innovation in teaching and research skills in our faculty and University. Increase the capacity to trigger changes in terms of modernisation and international opening within my University. Increase motivation and satisfaction in my daily work and share my experience to inspire my colleagues. Increased joint researches between the two Universities.
More self-confidence in networking.
I was so interested in the international educational experience, visiting a university campus outside Egypt, living this spirit in a different culture, really attracted me.
Also, I was willing to explore recent advances in pharmacy practice education as we already started the new curriculum for faculty of Pharmacy which includes new courses for Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice department. So I liked to export ideas about implementation of these courses in an attractive, feasible & non-traditional way.
Twelve days
Research have a great priority in UEF. (PhD students have time for finishing their manuscript & they are exempted from extra activities for that)
They work in multidisciplinary groups
More time is given for practical sessions than lectures
Self-study and diaries are presented in many courses
Courses are taken over a short period of time (two weeks) and then other courses are taken
I was invited to a workshop for PK modelling in Turku university in collaboration with UEF
I needed more time, I was collecting data in very short time
A very quiet place and people are cooperative
They have very good knowledge about other cultures, and they have great sense of hospitality
I encourage them to take the challenge
I took a lot of ideas and already implemented it, like hospital visits and writing dairy with discussion, bringing two softwares (one for undergraduates and one for postgraduates) and designing some self-learning assignments
I have to give attention to my research
The Aristotle University staff, professors, researcher and others that I met, are very helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate. For example, the first day, I met Professor Glavinis (the supporter) who help me to know all about the faculty of law education system, staff, student and administration (particularly the library stuff). Professor Glavinis help me to organize the lectures and workshop (best part of my experience). He invited Professors and doctoral students to participate in a workshop on the Egyptian policy in the field of gas transportation infrastructure development for the transport of natural gas from Egypt to Europe, which took place at the Faculty of Law of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Wednesday 29 May 2019, at 18:00', at the Dean's Conference Room. The workshop was taking place within the framework of the research Project "Integrating Energy Markets in the Wider Europe" implemented by the Faculty of Law of AUTh.
Concerning the undergraduate students at AUTh, earning a degree requires successful examination in a total of fifty (50) courses, including:
Attending certain courses requires prior successful examination in one or more requisite courses.
Many, among the most important is that in Thessaloniki is located The Aristotle University, which is the largerst Greek University, which means many young students. Mild climate, excellent structure of the roads, hospitallity, low criminality, sea, mountain etc are also contributing in its fame as a city for young people, but also older people enjoy living in Thessaloniki. Young people are just better communicating their preference better, they may move and reestablish easier, while older people do not easily change their living practices. It’s a safe place. There are no terrorists and there is almost no crime. People are cool and in most cases friendly. It is the second biggest city in Greece. There are fast food restaurants that are open 24 hours a day. The shops are all together so you go to the city center and you have them all. There is public transport to move around.
I can tell my experience in the following points:
- Play a decisive role in academic exchange, good practices dissemination, and knowledge diffusion.
- Support multicultural co-existence, social and cultural cohesion, and promote sustainable regional development.
- Make multilateral, rather than unilateral approach, a core aspect of our work in education, research and administrative level.
- The most important is the development of some of the methods of interactive learning that I use to teach some courses.
Best regards
Walid Fahmy
Associate Professor and Vice dean of the faculty of legal Studies for student affairs
Learn new teaching method and build up a strong relationship with staff members to invest in the future.
5 days
They made integrated subject courses with each other.
The courses topics are the same but their content are different.
Make a strong relationship between us and Oradea staff.
How to deal with students in academic advising?!
They teaching courses in Romanian
Kindly people in Oradea and, this city is known as the safest city in Romania
The architect buildings.
To be kind and have contacts of people may be helpful.
If you have a good relation with people, they will help you to reach your goal.
I participated in Staff Mobility within the Erasmus+ program for training at school of technology, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland in field of cyber security from 12th to 16th November, 2018. During my visit to JAMK University, I had multiple tasks and activities such as, attending lectures in school of technology, seminars, participation in some project, visiting labs, workshops and the library. Also I made many activities such as visiting international student services, meeting with staff members, reaserchers and exchange students from PUA as well as other universities. In addition to these I had made a presentation to IT students at JAMK universty about education at Faculty of Enginerring and facilites at Pharos University.
The studies and researches at JAMK University of Applied Sciences differ in comparison to my previous experience. Actually, JAMK has a high quality of education system. JAMK provides students with an internationally accredited education to develop their skills for the global labour market. JAMK Education system is quick to adapt and adopt innovative studding methods and techniques, for example, problem-based learning. The learning system characterized by the continuum of discussion, cooperation and seeking of information in the formation process of ideas making the finnish education unique.
Really, JAMK University of Applied Sciences staff members , professors and researchers that I met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate with them. Also. Spoken English for staff member was excellent that facilitated the communication between us. As well as, international relationship members at JAMK University presented me the brochures and maps that help me more inside and outside the campus. In addition to these, JAMK University has an information desk which provided me with all information I needed about, locations of study rooms, timetables and activites.
The best part of my experience at JAMK University of Applied Sciences was increasing my exposure to international experiences, connecting with professional staff members and researchers in the field of Engineering, visiting advanced labs in the electronics and cyber security, identifying new teaching and interactive learning methods in the study classes and finally identifying different culture and visiting new places.
The biggest challenge for me during my trip was the cold weather in Finland. Jyväskylä has a cold weather during the winter months, with temperatures averaging from - 22 to -3°C. During my visit in November, temperature was about 7 °C. Another challenge was difficulties with students and staff member who don`t speak English well and understand Finnish only.
Jyväskylä is a very clean and organized city. It has an excellent public transport network such as railway station and bus station which were nearby my accommodation there. The city is not crowded and has a few number of population. Finnish people are blond people and most friendly. Finland has many land scape and interesting places. Jyväskylä is surrounded by beautiful natural water in all directions, such as Jyväskylä Lakes. Also it has Jyväskylä Harbour which has a nice view. As well as , Alvara Alto Museuma which is a Finnish museum in Jyväskylä, specialized in architecture and design and functions as the national and international center on all things Aalto(i.e. Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer, his work includes architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware, as well as sculptures and paintings).
The most thing that surprised me in Jyväskylä, Finland is that most of people in Jyväskylä don`t use cars or other engine vehicles; instead they use bicycle inside the city. Also, most of shops and malls are closed at about 8:00 pm. As well as, Finish people are very athletes; Gyms are everywhere in the city.
Indeed, I want to advise my colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange at JAMK University of Applied Sciences to learn more and more about interactive learning techniques and methods in lectures.
I have taken more and more from this experience on a personal level. I had increased my exposure to international experiences, connected with professional staff in the field of research, investigated modern and recent software to be applied in my PhD study, and increased my knowledge in cyber security field, identified new culture, learned new ideas, suggestions and techniques to be applied in my career, also, I had learned new innovation courses. In addition to these, travelled to new place and visiting new places.
