How do studies and researches at Technological University of Dublin differ in comparison to your previous experience?

 In TU Dublin they focus a lot about research, it’s a research-oriented university. Studying at TU Dublin differs in the focus on researches from academic perspective as well as practical ones more that textbooks. TU Dublin research and development center helps a lot of students and academicians.

Did Technological University of Dublin staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate

Yes, a lot. I was always offered help, in everything regarding the library access, having materials for teaching, accessing previous exams. Also attending lectures to access different teaching techniques in both under grad and post grad. We were also invited to attend a practical retail symposium and a Check out retail conference which was also a great experience

 Could you describe a regular day as a student or teacher at Technological University of Dublin?

 As a teacher; it’s a full day of lecturing, as students there are divided to small groups, so the lecture of 100 students can be classifies to 4 different groups. Attending meetings with course instructors with students’ pre and post class to manage any conflicts in ideas regarding the course. Having the lunch break there is an important thing to respect.

 What was the best part of your experience at Technological University of Dublin?

 Exposing to different culture. Working 13 days in a European university added a lot to my mind set specially in teaching techniques and dealing with students. Meeting with the head of teaching and learning and discussing different teaching techniques, as well as having hands on experience with instructors there, for example; applying the flipped class room technique and the gallery walk were new techniques for me.

 What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

 Full days and, snowy weather, and a flight delay in my way back due to the bad weather conditions

 What are your impressions of Dublin and Ireland that you visited?

 Dublin is a very cozy and calm city which I really enjoyed a lot. The street walking with the parks and greeneries and sightseeing were really interesting as well as shopping

  Is there something about life in Dublin and Ireland that has surprised, impressed you?

 Not really, as I did a deep search about the city before travelling

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange at Technological University of Dublin?

 Try to extend the period of stay to gain the maximum benefit, and always try to build connections there and keep in contact with distinguished staff that they’ll meet there

 Is there something from your experience that you can bring in to your professional role at PUA?

 Definitely, I was exposed to different teaching techniques that might enhance my teaching role at PUA

  What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

 On the personal level, I can say I was connected with more people. I gained the experience of staying away from my family working for couple of weeks which was something I have never done before.

How long was the exchange period?

 The exchange period was 13 days.

How do studies and researches at TU Dublin University differ in comparison to your previous experience?

Lectures in TU Dublin are 2 hrs duration; each hour is given in a different day or a different time during the day, this strategy helps students in reducing the potential of boredom and increasing their concentration and interest while attending their lectures.

Most classes are designed for a small number of students, which helps instructors and students to engage and collaborate together smoothly and to allow better interaction and learning environment. Most TU Dublin staff apply activities for engaging students in class and making their learning environment more interactive and fun.

Regarding researches in TU Dublin, research support services are coordinated by the Researcher Support & Development Unit (RSDU), which provides support to all students and staff during all stages of the research cycle; they also organize research events, workshops, and funding information days for the research community.

Did TU Dublin University staff, professors, researchers, and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate

Yes, all staff of skilled lecturers and tutors I met in TU Dublin were very humble and helpful. I had no difficulties communicating with them as they were very friendly.

What was the best part of your experience at TU Dublin University?

The best part of my experience was that I got the opportunity to be invited to attend the Check Out Conference -“2020 vision, sustainable growth for a new decade” which was held at the international hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin. This was an industrial conference having various speakers from global companies such as Nestle UK, Circle K., BWG FOODS, and many more. Another unique experience was attending a Retail Symposium at TU Dublin, which had esteemed speakers from different Retail companies.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

The only challenge I have faced was on my way back to Egypt, where after reaching Borg El Arab Airport on Saturday the 15th of Feb at 3:00 am, the pilot couldn’t land the plane due to bad foggy weather and took us all the way back to our transit destination (Antalya airport) where all the passengers and I had to stay in the airport for more than 8 hours to take another airplane and get back to Egypt safely.

What are your impressions of Dublin and Ireland that you visited?

Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland; it is a very calm and organized city. People are very modest and friendly. The weather during my stay in February was changeable; some days were sunny while most days were really cold, rainy, and windy. The unpredictable weather did not stop me from enjoying the beautiful Irish scenery, which was absolutely green and stunning; no wonder Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle.

Is there something about life in Dublin and Ireland that has surprised, impressed you?

Yes, one of the things that impressed me was their Eco-Friendly approach applied in most retail stores in Dublin where they ask their customers if they need a bag for their purchases of products or goods at the cash desk and this is because they are trying to avoid the usage of plastic or paper bags, shoppers will pay extra 30cents for requiring a plastic bag because most bags end up in the bin and then in landfill so by charging for bags they will reduce plastic usage. They want their employees to work sustainably and encourage their shoppers to become more sustainable by reducing waste.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange at TU Dublin University?

Yes, I encourage them to participate in future mobility programs to increase the internationalization and enhance their teaching skills and abilities. I also advise them to communicate with Dr. Alex Gibson and Dr.Bernard Damian sometime before arrival to Dublin to organize and set a schedule for their visit.

Is there something from your experience that you can bring in to your professional role at PUA?

Participating in the mobility program at TU Dublin gave me the chance to be exposed to new teaching and learning methods. It also made me learn how to encourage students to adopt a deeper learning approach and increase students’ motivation and engagement. All gained knowledge and experience are applied in my classes and shared with my colleagues in PUA to enhance our student’s learning environment and also to create positive learning outcomes in PUA.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Besides all the new teaching methods that I have gained, building a good network with TU Dublin staff and European academic staff will help me for future collaboration in publications, which by return; will assist in upgrading my position.