Addressing Challenges of Transition

A new training project is being designed to equip Bethlehem University students with tools and information the purpose of which is to prepare them for encounters with high school students. It is envisaged that through those encounters, university students will assist high school graduates preparing to enroll in universities through sharing their own experiences of transition from school to university and discuss ways they used to cope with challenges coupled with this turning point of their lives.

The decision to introduce this training project came as a result of a two-day consultation workshop carried out at Bethlehem University on the 27 th and 28 th August. The workshop which was attended by thirty-two Educational Counselors from governmental and private schools was prepared and conducted by Bethlehem University faculty and staff, namely: Ms. Mary Sabella; Student Counselor, Ms. May Jaber; Assistant to Dean of Students, Ms. Nabila Daqqaq; Lecturer at the Social Sciences Department, and Dr. Inge Tiemann; Guest Lecturer at the university, and in cooperation with the Head Counselor of the Ministry of Higher Education, Bethlehem branch Mr. Muawiya Awwad.

The workshop tackled social and psychological aspects of transition from high schools to universities including issues of: expectations and pressure from families, choosing a major, the lack of information on universities and the difference between teaching methods in schools and universities.

Workshop participants stated that in spite of their profound experience in working with school students they wish to be trained in career counseling to be able to address their students' needs.