News and Photos By Dr Nor Syahidah Ishak
The Fifth International Staff Week, organized by Dicle University from 6-10 May 2024, took place in Diyarbakır, Turkey. This event brought together academic and administrative staff worldwide, including representatives from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), a partner of Dicle University. UUM was represented by three lecturers from the Islamic Business School—Dr. Nor Syahidah Ishak, Dr Siti Hajar Salwa Ahmad Musadik, Dr Nor Aina Mhd Khotib, and Dr. Nor Suzylah Sohaimi from the School of Government.
This event provided an invaluable platform for the UUM participants to connect with academic and administrative staff from various countries, mainly Europe, and was funded by Erasmus+. The event fosters international collaboration and knowledge exchange between the participants. The program commenced with a minuniversity’sr of Dicle University on the first day, allowing the participants to become familiar with the university’s facilities and environments. This was followed by a guided Diyarbakir Old Town City, which offered a deep dive into the area's rich cultural and historical heritage. This initial exposure helped set the stage for a productive week ahead, as participants could appreciate the local context and ambience.
On the second day, participants from various institutions were required to present and introduce their respective universities. The representatives from UUM took full advantage of this opportunity to highlight and promote UUM’s strengths, achievements, and unique offerings to the international audience. Participants promoted their institutions, exchanged ideas, and developed new partnerships. This session was crucial in establishing UUM’s presence and reputation among the global academic community, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships. The third day was dedicated to an organizational fair, where all participants set up their booths to distribute brochures and further promote their institutions.
The UUM booth attracted significant attention from Dicle University students and staff, providing a direct platform for engagement and interaction. This fair was a promotional activity that gauges interest and builds relationships with the Dicle University community. Throughout the program, the UUM participants had numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and network with various academic professionals. A notable highlight was the interaction with Dicle University’s rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karakoç. During these discussions, Prof. Dr. Karakoç extended a warm welcome to the UUM academicians and identified several potential areas for collaboration, including public lectures, joint research projects, and co-authored publications. This dialogue underscored the mutual interest in fostering a deeper academic partnership between UUM and Dicle University.
The International Staff Week Program at Dicle University was an enriching and beneficial experience for the UUM participants. It facilitated the exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches in academia. The program also opened doors for future collaborations, enhancing the professional growth of the participants and contributing to UUM’s broader internationalization efforts. The connections made and the knowledge gained during this program are expected to have a lasting impact, promoting the collaborative spirit and enhancing the academic prowess of both institutions involved. Participation in this program not only highlighted UUM on an international stage but also laid the groundwork for enduring partnerships that could lead to significant academic and research advancements. The engagement and experiences from this week are poised to play a pivotal role in the continuous development and international outreach of UUM.
For more information about the program, visit http://www.dicle.edu.tr/tr/birimler/erasmus/sayfalar/fourth-international-staff-week-11294