Hi (Eslam Ahmed Fathy), tell me more about yourself and your role at PUA.
Assoc. Prof.Eslam Ahmed Fathy, Head of Hotel Management Dept. in Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management.
My name is Lamiaa Ibrahim. I am an Associate Professor in the Tourism Department and the Vice Dean of Education and Students’ affaires in Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management. When I decided to apply for Erasmus program, I had specific objectives that I wanted to achieve.
Assoc. Prof.Eslam Ahmed Fathy, Head of Hotel Management Dept. in Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management.
Why did you go to JAMK University for staff exchange?
The main aim was to develop my teaching approaches and reinforce the cooperation with JAMK University as a partner institution.
How long was the exchange period?
5 days.
How do studies and researches at JAMK University differ in comparison to your previous experience?
Studies and researches at JAMK University are quite similar to our system. The first year of study involves foundation courses. The second-year equips them with specialized skills to further their professional growth. Third-year students gain creativity skills to broaden their fields of specialization, which are partially confirmed by field project methods.
Research and development activities of JAMK focus on applied research, utilizing scientific results to develop new practical applications, methods or problem-solving tools.
Did JAMK University staff, 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 JAMK 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 JAMK University?
That I got the opportunity to visit the Digi and Game centre, Digital studio, and Team Academy Center. Unique and advanced centres I would like to see at PUA.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?
To find halal food.
What are your impressions of (Jyvaskyla) and (Finland) that you visited?
Jyvaskyla is the fifth largest city in Finland. It is a very calm and organized city. The weather during my stay was snowy, but it is a new experience and I have enjoyed it.
Is there something about life in (Jyvaskyla) and (Finland) that has surprised, impressed you?
The intensive use of bicycles for better health and more fun.
Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do staff exchange at JAMK University?
Yes, I encourage them to participate in future mobility programs to increase internationalization and enhance their teaching skills and abilities.
Is there something from your experience that you can bring in to your professional role at PUA?
Participating in the mobility program at JAMK university gave me the chance to be exposed to new innovative teaching and learning methods. It also made me learn how to encourage students to start their own businesses. In addition, the knowledge to develop dual programmes that are tailored to the needs of the global hospitality sector.
What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?
Network and make new friends with JAMK staff and self-confidence in networking.
My name is Lamiaa Ibrahim. I am an Associate Professor in the Tourism Department and the Vice Dean of Education and Students’ affaires in Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management. When I decided to apply for Erasmus program, I had specific objectives that I wanted to achieve. I sought to experience new teaching environments; acquire new curriculum design skills and exchange good practices and enhance cooperation between the two universities. My Teaching mobility program lasted five days, not including travel time, between 22 November and 26 November 2021. I was very satisfied with the activities that I participated in. I gave lectures about Tourism Research, Digital Services and Understanding Consumer Behavior. In addition to teaching, the program included activities like visiting a tourism company, two hotels and a training center. The Erasmus+ mobility program led me to acquire special expertise from good practices abroad, as well as practical skills relevant to my professional development. The program encouraged cooperation for joint research between Pharos University in Alexandria- Egypt and JAMK University in Jyväskylä- Finland. It also introduced other methods of teaching and assessment in an international environment, offering a closer look at the structure of higher education abroad. I enjoyed my stay in Jyväskylä, it is a very lovely city. It is called the city of lakes and hills. My hotel was in the best spot in Jyväskylä. This gave me the opportunity to easy to get to the city’s most important sights like the Old Church. I also liked the old wooden houses and the modern architecture. Most of masterful buildings in Jyväskylä is designed by the world-famous Finish architect Alvar Aalto. But really, the most enjoyable experience was the snow that covered everything, offered very beautiful surroundings and the scenery was completely different for me.