As part of Al-Qasemi Academy’s strategy to strengthen international academic partnerships and expand collaboration with leading higher education institutions, a delegation from the Academy completed an academic visit to the University of Klagenfurt and the University of Teacher Education Carinthia in Austria under Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme.

The delegation included:

• Dr. Sari Asli – Director of the Research Center and Head of the Department of Science.
• Dr. Esther Majadleh – Researcher at the Science Center.
• Dr. Kholod Zbbanah Tannous – Dean of Students.
• Dr. Afnan Gharra-Mawassi – Chair of the International Academic Relations Office.

The visit was the result of a joint academic initiative led by Dr. Sari Asli and Professor Franz Rauch of the University of Klagenfurt. It aimed to strengthen scientific collaboration and exchange expertise in teacher education, science education, sustainability, educational innovation, and the development of long-term academic partnerships between the two institutions.

The academic programme included a series of professional meetings and field visits. Highlights included a visit to a model school implementing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles, where the delegation explored student participation in school governance through a student parliament. The delegation also held academic meetings at the Institute for Instructional and School Development at the University of Klagenfurt, where members presented Al-Qasemi Academy’s activities in science education, renewable energy, international academic relations, and student affairs. In addition, they learned about advanced European research projects focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and educational innovation.

The programme also included a visit to the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, where the delegation explored the Science_Link project, an initiative connecting scientific research, education, and the wider community. The delegation further visited the University of Teacher Education Carinthia, meeting with the university’s leadership, the International Office, and the Research Management and Knowledge Transfer Center. During these meetings, they were introduced to several international projects funded through Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.

Another highlight of the visit was a tour of the Lakeside Park Science Laboratories, innovative science education laboratories designed for schools that serve as an outstanding example of collaboration between the university and the local community.

At the institutional level, the Al-Qasemi Academy delegation held an official meeting with the Vice Rector of the University of Klagenfurt, during which the Academy’s development, internationalization strategy, and institutional vision were presented. The meeting also explored future opportunities for collaboration in faculty and staff exchange, joint research initiatives, and shared academic activities, with the goal of expanding cooperation and developing future collaborative projects.

Reflecting on the importance of international cooperation, Dr. Sari Asli stated:

“Academic and research collaboration is a cornerstone of advancing educational practices. These partnerships provide a genuine platform for exchanging expertise that ultimately benefits our students while enhancing teaching methods and fostering innovation. They also contribute to preparing future educators who are equipped to lead sustainable education with confidence and excellence.”

This visit reflects Al-Qasemi Academy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its international presence and expanding its network of partnerships with European universities. Such collaborations contribute to enhancing the quality of education and scientific research while creating new international opportunities for academic and administrative staff, as well as students, in line with the Academy’s vision of excellence and leadership in higher education.