Alexandria University received H.E. Mr. Orlik Shannon, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt, and his accompanying delegation at the university headquarters in Shatby, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between Alexandria University and Canadian universities in areas of mutual academic and research interest.

The Ambassador was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Hisham Saeed, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hakim, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Dr. Afaf El-Oufi, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Dr. Gehan Gouifil, Assistant to the University President for Education Internationalization and International Branches; Prof. Dr. Sameh Shehata, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Prof. Dr. Eman Youssef, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for Education and Student Affairs; and Prof. Dr. Marwa Khalil, Acting Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economic Studies and Political Science.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the possibility of establishing dual academic programs between Alexandria University and several Canadian universities in both English and French—the two official languages of Canada—as part of the university’s efforts to internationalize education and align its academic programs with global standards.

They also reviewed potential avenues for academic and research collaboration in fields of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of faculty and researcher exchange programs and the expansion of joint applied research projects, which contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education and scientific research for both parties.

Alexandria University presented a comprehensive overview highlighting its leading academic and research programs, its strategy for internationalization, its global partnerships, and its joint and dual-degree programs with top international universities. The presentation also included the university’s international branches outside Egypt, its research strategy, and its standing in global university rankings.

For his part, Ambassador Orlik Shannon expressed his appreciation for Alexandria University as a prestigious educational institution of distinguished regional standing, affirming his country’s keenness to foster academic and scientific collaboration with the university. He also explored opportunities to establish joint programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as to promote student and faculty exchange between the two sides.

Following the meeting, Prof. Dr. Afaf El-Oufi, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, accompanied the Ambassador and his delegation on a visit to the Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language Center (TAFL) at Alexandria University — one of the most prominent centers specializing in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers for over forty years.

They were received at the center by Dr. Lana Habib, Executive Director of the TAFL Center, and Dr. Dina El-Gayar, Executive Director of the Project Management Unit at Alexandria University.

During the visit, the Ambassador met with a group of students, faculty members, and staff in a lively discussion session moderated by Mr. Yasser Kashif, Academic Director of the Study Abroad Program in Oslo. The discussion covered topics such as learning Arabic, cultural immersion, and potential avenues for future cooperation between Canadian universities and Alexandria University.

The day’s events included a presentation by Dr. Dina El-Gayar, who showcased the university’s major projects and potential partnership areas with Canadian academic institutions, followed by a presentation by Dr. Lana Habib, who reviewed the history of the TAFL Center, its distinguished educational programs, and its pioneering role in promoting the Arabic language and culture worldwide.

Ambassador Shannon also delivered a speech in which he expressed his deep admiration for Arab culture and his personal passion for learning Arabic over the past 23 years. He offered valuable advice to students on mastering the language, emphasizing that Arabic serves as a bridge for cultural and human communication among nations.

At the conclusion of the visit, a commemorative photo was taken in the center’s garden amid a friendly and cooperative atmosphere. The Ambassador expressed his admiration for the center’s high academic standards, organization, and diverse programs.

The TAFL Center extended its sincere appreciation to all participants in the day’s events, affirming that this visit marks a milestone in the center’s 40-year journey and reinforces Alexandria University’s position as a leading regional and international hub for teaching Arabic to foreigners and promoting Egyptian culture.