Dr. Akram Abu Salah, a faculty member at the Nursing Faculty of the Islamic University of Gaza, recently concluded a successful international exchange program at the Nursing Faculty of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain, supported by the European Erasmus+ program. The visit was met with a warm reception from Dr. Iris Benbataro, the visit coordinator, and the esteemed faculty members, including the dean.
During his visit, Dr. Abu Salah delivered an informative lecture highlighting the Palestinian community, with a specific emphasis on the Islamic University, its programs, international collaborations, and its commendable trajectory of growth and development. His discussion underscored the significance of the Palestinian healthcare system and the nursing profession, illuminating the diverse nursing specializations and programs available in Palestine. Moreover, Dr. Abu Salah elucidated the nursing and midwifery plans implemented in Gaza and presented a lecture on scientific research within Palestine and the Islamic University. He specifically addressed the nursing master’s specializations offered by the university, including intensive care, mental health nursing, and the emerging domains of surgical and internal medicine nursing.
The visit encompassed an enriching field trip to the university hospital, affiliated with the Autonomous University of Barcelona, offering Dr. Abu Salah a valuable opportunity to acquaint himself with pivotal nursing departments and the range of services provided. Additionally, he explored the university’s simulation laboratory, gaining insights into the modern techniques employed in nursing education, including advanced simulation devices and equipment. As part of the itinerary, Dr. Abu Salah attended graduation project presentations by several nursing students at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. He emphasized the significance of these projects and shared insights into the successful completion of such endeavors at the Islamic University.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Abu Salah presented an honorary shield on behalf of the Islamic University of Gaza to the dean of the Nursing Faculty at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, expressing gratitude for the dean’s exceptional efforts in facilitating the visit and contributing to the attainment of its objectives.
Ms. Walaa Safi, the coordinator of international exchange projects at the Islamic University, expressed her contentment with these fruitful visits, underscoring the university’s unwavering commitment to promoting academic cooperation and fostering the exchange of international experiences across diverse fields. Ms. Safi highlighted the active participation of 64 administrative and academic members from the Islamic University in similar international exchange programs, engaging esteemed universities in countries such as Austria, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and others.