In an era where global academic collaboration is paramount, Bar-Ilan University (BIU) is making significant strides in strengthening ties with universities worldwide. Recently, a BIU delegation visited Georgia, led by now-former Deputy President Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, CEO Zohar Yinon, key academic leaders, and the International School management. Their mission is to forge new academic partnerships and deepen existing collaborations.
Meeting with the Georgian Technical University team was interesting and rewarding
“Primarily, we explored the leading Georgian universities, aiming for cooperation in STEM and business, and establishing partnerships for student and staff exchanges as well as joint degree programs,” explained Ofer Dahan, Executive Director of BIU’s International School.
Forging Academic Partnerships
The delegation engaged in substantial meetings with Tbilisi State Medical University, Ilia State University, Georgian Technical University, and Kutaisi International University. These discussions centered on collaborative research opportunities and faculty and student exchange programs, positioning Bar-Ilan to offer its research strengths in these partnerships.
Ilia State University was one of the universities visited by the Israeli team
“We found that these universities are strong in teaching but less developed in research, an area in which Bar-Ilan is extremely strong and can definitely bring to the table in any collaboration,” Dahan noted.
A milestone in the visit was the acceptance of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with these institutions, reinforcing Bar-Ilan’s commitment to expanding its global academic presence. “We ultimately signed agreements with all four universities we met during our trip,” Dahan confirmed, marking a promising start to these collaborative endeavors.
Strategic Engagements with Educational Leaders
A pivotal moment during the visit was the meeting with Tariel Gugava, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, alongside colleagues from Georgia’s Ministry of Education, and Hadas Ester Meitzad, Israel’s Ambassador to Georgia. Discussions focused on leveraging governmental scholarship programs to facilitate Georgian students’ access to higher education in Israel, enriching educational and cultural exchanges.
The Bar-Ilan University delegation met with key people from Georgia’s Ministry of Education
Ambassador Meitzad highlighted the potential for Israeli institutions to collaborate with government-funded programs, which currently prioritize American and European universities. This presents a significant opportunity for Bar-Ilan to position itself as a key partner for Georgian students.
“This was a rewarding part of the visit where we explored how our agreements could strengthen the ties between Bar-Ilan University and Georgian universities, ultimately benefiting the development of students and faculty,” Dahan said.
Cultural Connections
The delegation also participated in cultural exchanges, including a Shabbat dinner hosted by Beit Chabad Tbilisi, fostering community ties and cultural understanding.
The Bar-Ilan University team took in the sights during their free time in Georgia
Looking Forward
This visit marks a significant step in Bar-Ilan University’s strategy to enhance international cooperation and academic excellence. With new agreements in place, the university is poised to enrich the academic experiences of both students and faculty, paving the way for future innovations and collaborations.
