As part of the efforts of the International Academic Relations Unit at Al-Qasemi Academy to strengthen its international academic presence and expand its network of partnerships through regional and international cooperation, and in collaboration with the Early Childhood Department, headed by Dr. Areej Masarwe, Dr. Ibtihal Asali, representing Al-Qasemi Academy and the International Academic Relations Unit, participated in an academic visit to the University of Montenegro – Faculty of Philosophy, alongside Dr. Suzan Abu Mukh, representing the Early Childhood Department. The visit took place from 28 to 30 September 2026, with the participation of representatives from the University of Montenegro and the Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute, Uzbekistan.

During the academic meetings, Dr. Asali delivered an introductory presentation on the Arab community and Al-Qasemi Academy, highlighting the Academy’s role, programs, and areas of activity, as part of efforts to introduce the Academy and strengthen its international academic presence and network of academic relations. Dr. Abu Mukh also presented an initiative focusing on children’s well-being and development. The meetings provided an opportunity to learn about the experiences of the participating institutions and exchange knowledge and practices on a range of educational issues.

As part of efforts to expand the network of cooperation to include additional academic fields and disciplines, Dr. Asali held a dedicated meeting with the Head of the Department of English at the University of Montenegro. The meeting explored the possibility of establishing a new academic relationship and opening avenues for future cooperation between the university’s Department of English and Al-Qasemi Academy.

The program also included field visits to a number of educational institutions, including an inclusion and support center for children with special educational needs and a kindergarten. The participants learned about practices in the fields of inclusion and early childhood education and exchanged experiences with professional staff.

One of the highlights of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Al-Qasemi Academy and the University of Montenegro – Faculty of Philosophy, providing a framework for developing institutional relations, strengthening academic communication and cooperation, and creating opportunities for future joint initiatives and projects between the two institutions.

At the conclusion of the visit, representatives of the three institutions discussed prospects for future cooperation, including the development of joint research and educational projects, student and faculty exchanges, and the organization of academic meetings and seminars, as well as cooperation in the fields of early childhood education, learner-centered education, inclusion, and language education.

The visit forms part of the efforts of the International Academic Relations Unit at Al-Qasemi Academy to leverage regional cooperation pathways to build sustainable academic partnerships, expand areas of cooperation, and connect the Academy’s departments and programs with academic networks and institutions in the region and beyond, thereby supporting opportunities for exchange and cooperation and the development of joint research, initiatives, and projects.