As part of the international credit mobility project funded by the EU Erasmus Plus program, Mr. Maysara Alqeshawi, an employee at the Public Relations Department of the Islamic University of Gaza, has successfully concluded an international exchange period at Izmir Katip Celebi University in Turkey. He was warmly received by the International Relations Department of the host university, represented by Mr. Koray Celik, Erasmus institutional coordinator, and Mr. Amin Bakay, the Erasmus Plus coordinator. Both played a significant role in providing full assistance to ensure the success of the exchange program, as well as coordinating meetings with departments and staff members of Izmir Katip Celebi University to achieve the agreed-upon exchange objectives.
During the visit, Mr. Alqeshawi spoke about the public relations at the Islamic University of Gaza and highlighted its activities. He presented an introductory material about the Islamic University of Gaza. On the other hand, Mr. Celik talked about Izmir Katip Celebi University, its establishment, and the role of public relations within it, in addition to the nature of the projects they participate in as part of international programs like Erasmus Plus. They also expressed their desire to continue the partnership with the Islamic University of Gaza and collaborate on joint projects for future funding entities.
Furthermore, the visit included a meeting with Professor Nazem Ankar Al-Yajili, the head of the Communication and Media Center, who explained the working mechanisms of the center, how media materials are prepared for the university, and coverage of its activities. In addition, he discussed the management of the university’s social media platforms. Mr. Alqeshawi, in turn, presented the experience of public relations at the Islamic University of Gaza and explained the challenges it faces. Additionally, he met with Mr. Omar Yilmaz, the coordinator of foreign students at the International Relations Department, who expressed his willingness to provide a detailed explanation of the application and enrollment process for foreign students and prepare for further specific meetings with the Islamic University of Gaza.
The visit also included a campus tour of the university and its facilities including the central library and the Communication and Media Department to see the media equipment, such as the media studio and sound studios. They also visited the modern podcasting department, which will be launched soon.
At the end of the mobility period, Mr. Alqeshawi met with the International Relations team at the host university and the Erasmus Plus coordinator to discuss future cooperation with the Islamic University of Gaza and prepare for coordination to obtain projects from funding entities. They were presented with a gift on behalf of the Islamic University of Gaza as a token of gratitude for their warm reception.
Ms. Wala Safi, the institutional coordinator of international credit mobility projects at the Islamic University of Gaza, mentioned that IUG has participated in 65 international credit mobility projects, providing approximately 320 exchange opportunities for students and university staff in various European countries. She emphasized that such participation has a long-term positive impact on enhancing collaborative relationships with partner universities and improving the university’s reputation in international forums.