The visit aimed to learn about the consequences of occupation on the functioning of the university and the study conditions in Palestine.

The delegation met with Dr. Waseem Bishawi, Head of the French Department, Ms. Louha Samaaneh, Director of the Education Resource Centre and Ms. Najah Darwazeh, Director of the Francophone Resource Centre as well as a number of the French department students.

Dr. Bishawi welcomed the delegation and briefed them on the department, which was founded in cooperation with the Consulate General of France in Jerusalem, its BA programmes, as well as the French minor programme it offers to other departments. He also talked about An-Najah's history, development, campuses, the obstacles that encounter higher education in Palestine, and the services An-Najah offers to the Palestinian community.

Ms. Samaaneh introduced the guests to the University's faculties and the services of the Language Resource Centre. She also referred to the difficulty of attracting international professors and teachers due to visa complications.

The students who come from different backgrounds and cities of the West Bank talked about the difficulties they encounter as students including transportation difficulties, Israeli check points, unemployment and the lack of scholarships for French students, especially after the French Consulate closed the French Cultural Institute in Nablus.

Notes:

The meeting was also attended by Miss. Aya Jabri from the International Office and Mrs. Shatha Jararaa from the PR Department.