April 3, 2008

Shaping Their Future One Step at a Time

A large percentage of Bethlehem University students are unable to pay their tuition. Many who wish to further their education must search for suitable scholarships and join the long list of applicants in a race for funding. In an effort to reach out to our students Dr. Helga Baumgarten, head of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), visited the University to discuss the different scholarship programs they offer Palestinians.

On Friday, March 28 th , Dr. Baumgarten met with Br. Robert Smith, Acting Vice Chancellor and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irene Hazou, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, faculty and staff members, senior students, and graduates of Bethlehem University to review the study and research opportunities DAAD offers, to assess the level of interest in DAAD scholarships and programs and to clarify application procedures. “DAAD has been very supportive and interested in the needs of Palestinians,” Dr. Hazou said. “Together we hope to provide our graduates, students, faculty and staff a chance to further develop their skills with the cooperation of German academic institutions with the anticipation that they will return to Palestine eager to give something back to their own communities.”

In reference to Palestinian students studying in Germany on DAAD scholarships, Dr. Baumgarten said, “The Palestinians are doing excellent in the German universities. Many of them are at the top of their classes there.”

Dr. Helga Baumgarten is head of DAAD IC East Jerusalem and DAAD Professor at Birzeit University . The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. It represents the German higher education system abroad, promotes Germany as an academic and research destination, and helps build ties between institutions around the world. Because of its very difficult economic, social and political situation, Palestine has been one main focus for DAAD. Each year a number of Palestinian students and professors receive scholarships from DAAD in order to complete their studies in Germany or take up research projects together with their German colleagues.