May 21, 2008

Study in Europe Day Opens at Bethlehem University

For the first time ever a "Study in Europe" Open Day was held at Bethlehem University on Wednesday, April 30 th to inform students, faculty and staff about the educational and scholarship opportunities offered abroad. The event was co-sponsored by Al-Quds Open University, Bethlehem Branch. Over 200 students attended the event, which was co-hosted by the European Commission and seven European Union (EU) Member States , including France , Germany , the United Kingdom , Denmark , Spain , Belgium , and Holland .

Br. Robert Smith, FSC, PhD, interim vice chancellor and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Bethlehem University, who opened the event, left the student body with no doubt about what they should do, "Study in Europe? Are you kidding? Yes! Ok! Sign me up!”

Opening statements were followed by a panel of eight Palestinians, five from Bethlehem University and three from Al-Quds Open University, who shared their personal experiences as students in Europe . Generally, they were very positive and encouraged Bethlehem University students to take advantage of the opportunity to exchange with other countries and cultures.

Muna Matar, BU '81, reflected on how she felt upon her arrival to Belgium . “You are forced to learn quickly. You have a choice to either sink or swim,” she said. “It changed my entire outlook on life; I became a very different person because of such an enriching experience,” she added.

Hala Yamani, who studied in the UK , said that meeting people from other countries helped her to learn more about herself. She said, “I discovered myself to be an Arabic, Oriental and Palestinian woman.”

Bethlehem University students were then invited to speak to officials and diplomats from the attending EU countries and the European Commission. Students immediately flocked to the information stands in hopes of finding the scholarship that would take them abroad. Information was distributed and contacts were exchanged. One student expressed interest in studying in the UK in order to join her older sister, who was living and working there, while another wanted to learn more about Germany , because of her background in the German language. Many, it seemed, were willing to study anywhere, as long as it gave them a chance to travel and meet new people.

Study in Europe Day Open Day was also held at Al Quds University in Abu Dis, AL-Najah University in Nablus and the Palestine Polytechnic University in Hebron .