september 1, 2008

Bethlehem University opens doors for record number of students

New Generation of Palestinian Students Aspire to Graduate from BU

After a month of vacation, the campus of Bethlehem University is full of life once again. As it begins its 35th anniversary year, Bethlehem University, the first university in the West Bank, and the only Christian university in the Holy Land, has welcomed 2850 students – the largest enrollment since its foundation in 1973.

The 780 new students joining campus life are now already familiar with the university: They have mastered entrance exams and enjoyed three successful orientation days, from August 19-21.

“I visited Bethlehem University many times before I finished high school and I always thought to myself   ‘what a great place – I definitely want to get here’” said Maha, a new student from Nahalin, a village south of Bethlehem, as she followed a group of fellow first year students who listened to senior students explain the ins and outs of life on campus during orientation last week. “Now I can’t say how glad I am because I got accepted for studying here. It’s a real privilege.”

Looking around, it was apparent Maha was not the only enthusiastic student.  As her group continued their tour, other groups of new students stood in a circle joking and laughing as they took part in an icebreaker beneath the shade of some trees. 

With orientation week in full swing, Bethlehem University was bustling with newly accepted students who participated in a program created by the Dean of Students Office and a team of committed student volunteers.  The program was designed to make their entry into academic life as easy and pleasant as possible.

The new students enjoyed three exciting days in which they got to know the faculty and staff, learned about whom to consult if questions arise, became familiar with university history and all corners of the campus and, most importantly, met their fellow students and challenged them to many games and activities.

“I love Bethlehem University –high level of education, professional teachers, a very nice place, open-minded people –it looks like an oasis to me! Although the situation on the job market is really difficult, a degree from Bethlehem University will be a great help for me to find a job,” said Haya, a new student from Jerusalem and one of 1954 candidates who sat this semester’s entrance exams.

“University life is very different from school life,” said Brother Robert Smith, interim Vice Chancellor or Bethlehem University, in an encouraging speech to new students.   “Work hard! You will not succeed if you don’t. And Have fun! Bethlehem University is a place where Christians and Muslims, young and old people, women and men study and live together.”

Despite its ongoing commitment to diversity, Bethlehem University’s national character has diminished in recent years as Israeli-imposed restrictions to education have increased.  A historical number of students, 64 per cent, are now directly from Bethlehem.

As access to institutions outside Bethlehem is curtailed, Bethlehem University provides students the only opportunity of obtaining a higher education without having to face frustrating and time-consuming travel through Israeli checkpoints and military barriers every day.

However, more than 25 per cent of the student body continue to travel from Jerusalem, crossing the Israeli Separation Wall. As well, more than 10 per cent still travel daily from other parts of the West Bank, including Hebron and Ramallah.  , These students continue to accept the daily challenges, harassment and delays due to Israeli military checkpoints in order to pursue their right to education, hoping to join more than 11 000 graduates of Bethlehem University.