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The academic delegation from Sweden ended a week of field studies at the UoD and the Kurdistan Region on March 5th, 2010.

The delegation praised the scientific level at the University of Duhok and the hospitality of the Kurdish people in general.

The members of the delegation appreciated the development they observed in the region as it showed experience in planning and management, indicating the advanced scientific level in the Kurdistan Region especially at the UoD ".
Mr. Ulrik Martensson, Coordinator of External Relations at Lund University, said "The program was exceptional and important for both parties creating a practical and effective step for further cooperation .Mr Martensson went on to say, “We learnt and saw the importance of bringing students to gain knowledge not only about science, but also about the heritage and the community of people from other societies.""The awareness I noticed at the UoD, starting from the President down, which encourages development in every aspect, inspired me to call for more cooperation." Continuing Mr. Martensson said, “The special thing about external programs is the language factor; therefore, I wish there could have been more interest in English language as it is the key to science and working with international universities."

Mr. Martensson, stated that the development taking place in many European universities could be seen here at the UoD, referring to the process of developing the curricula and the Quality Assurance Program as distinctive approaches and examples to be followed.

Finally, he said "We learned a lot from you, you the students and teachers, and certainly you learned from us and this is the main aim of exchange programs, which we hope, with the availability of financial support, to continue in several areas”.

For his part, Dr. Dawood Atrushi, Vice President for International Relations at UoD, said "this program is more important for the region than the university because it reflects the correct picture of the level of education and the capability of universities in Kurdistan to establish such programs”.

He added “We should not forget that carrying out such projects is in the interest of both parties and is a step towards more support. We plan to expand cooperation with Lund University, where at the moment we have six students studying for higher studies within the Erasmus Mundus Program there”. Dr. Atrushi said this program was a strong message for universities and scientific institutions that the UoD is capable of carrying out international programs at advanced levels. The UoD, convinced with the success of such projects, has planned to re-establish the scheme next year. "

The Students Union had a noticeable role in the program set for the visiting delegation. Mr. Guhdar Shaikhow, Head of the Students Union in Duhok, said, "We actively cooperated with the student delegation.’’ In addition to coordinating the program at the UoD and the rest of the cities and universities; we arranged an evening of art, sight-seeing tours and different activities which gave the members of the group a picture of the educational and social situations in the region."

 Emily L. C, one of the Swedish students said, "I felt the kindness of the people from Kurdistan, seeing their eagerness for development. ‘’I also saw suitable infrastructure for tourism here”. She added, "What I noticed in my visit was the exceptional development the UoD has witnessed during these years whether at the scientific level of its academic staff or the number colleges and departments”. Continuing she said "The geography of the Region still needs a lot of study and research, particularly those related to the natural environment and geology; we found large amounts of data from this visit to enrich our research".

 Not only the geography of the Region attracted the visitors’ attention as Julia J, another student, said, "The hospitality of the people here encourages me to come back again to this country for more research”. She added, "We were surprised at the scientific level of the students and teachers of the UoD, so I feel they are on the right tracks for development”. Julia seemed delighted by the visit indicating the geographical differences between the two countries,’’

The visit of the Swedish delegation to the UoD came within an agreement of scientific exchange with Lund University and included a visit to a number of archaeological sites in Duhok, Amadiyah, Soran and Suleimani. The students seemed to be more delighted than tired while moving from one site to another.

 Martin P. Hardsen stated "the entire program was something special. There might have been some gaps, but this is something normal as it was the first time for such activity to take place between the two universities”. He added "I will remember the kindness from the Kurdish people and their love for their land, not only at the university, but also with common people, everyone is cooperative with a friendly spirit and loves to provide assistance, for me this is something really special".

 Mr Harsden said,’’ That what he had seen here had motivated him to convey a message to his friends in his country, what is being shown by the media about Iraq could not be seen here in the Kurdistan Region’’. ‘’Life here goes on smoothly and everything is peaceful, there is no talk of explosions and violence.’’
 

Lastupdate: 2009-06-28 10:53:21