Akdeniz University International Relations Office @AkdenizUni_IRO
Dear colleagues and partners from all around the world, In accordance with the redistribution of roles within the senior management team of Akdeniz University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Genç İlter, academic staff member of the Department of Foreign Language Education in the Faculty of Education, has been appointed to the position of Advisor to the Rector for International Relations, and Head of the International Relations Office (IRO). We would like to reaffirm the strength of our commitment to the improvement and expansion of our international partnerships. Akdeniz University International Relations Office A THANK YOU PLAQUE TO PROF. DR. AHMET KURUNÇ On behalf of the members of the International Relations Office team, Advisor to the Rector for International Relations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Genç İlter presented a thank you plaque to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kurunç, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, for his contributions to the International Relations Office during the period in which he was Advisor to the Rector for International Relations. 1
PROJECT-BASED MEVLANA EXCHANGE PROGRAMME SIGNING CEREMONY As part of the Project-Based International Exchange Programme, a ceremony was held by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) on September 28 th 2016 to mark the signing of contracts for the projects which had been approved for funding. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ünal, Rector of Akdeniz University, and members of our academic staff whose projects had been accepted, including Prof. Dr. İlhan Çağırgan, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kürşat Çelik, Lecturer Süleyman Fatih Özmen, and Mevlana Exchange Programme Institutional Coordinator Nurgül Büyükkalay. Prof. Dr. M. A. Yekta Saraç, President of the Council of Higher Education, made the opening speech to an audience which included the rectors and project coordinators of the universities whose projects had been accepted. Prof. Dr. Saraç declared in his speech that contributing to the internationalization process by enlarging research capacity, developing international cooperation, and facilitating the exchange of students and academics were the primary aims of the Project-Based International Exchange Programme which was being initiated by the Council of Higher Education for the first time. Prof. Saraç also spoke about the content of the Mevlana Exchange Programme, which had been started by the Council of Higher Education and was now seen as a model for many countries. This programme previously included only mobility for academic members and students, and attention was drawn by Prof. Saraç to the way that the Council of Higher Education would start to implement the programme in three categories, which were country based, field based and project based from the beginning of the 2016/2017 academic year. International projects submitted by academic staff members will now be supported for the first time as part of the Project-Based International Exchange Programme. Akdeniz University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ünal stated that Akdeniz University had been a pioneer among the universities which had implemented the programme, and that the projects submitted by Akdeniz University as part of Mevlana Exchange Programme had the highest acceptance rate among all participating universities. Akdeniz University had now signed protocols with 80 universities from 27 different countries as part of the Mevlana Programme. 2
VISIT OF A DELEGATION FROM AHMET YESEVI UNIVERSITY A delegation from Ahmet Yesevi University, one of our partner universities in Kazakhstan, visited Akdeniz University on September 2 nd 2016. The delegation was made up of Prof. Dr. Musa Yıldız, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Rector of Ahmet Yesevi University, Prof. Dr. Velihan Abdibekov, and Vice-Rector Dr. Berik Ahmetov and representatives from Ahmet Yesevi University. The members of the delegation congratulated Prof. Dr Mustafa Ünal, Rector of Akdeniz University on his recent appointment, and wished him success with his mission. Prof. Dr Mustafa Ünal thanked the delegation for their visit and expressed his intention of continuing and extending the cooperation between Akdeniz University and Ahmet Yesevi University. During the meeting held in the Rector s Office, the Mevlana Exchange Programme protocol between Akdeniz University and Ahmet Yesevi University was renewed, and the duration of the cooperation was extended. 3
PARTICIPATION IN EAIE 2016 Akdeniz University participated in the 28 th Annual European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition, which aims to contribute to the internationalization of higher education in Europe and the rest of the world. EAIE 2016, organized in Liverpool, United Kingdom between September 13 th and 16 th 2016, hosted 8,000 participants from 5,000 universities and 80 countries. In order to represent Akdeniz University, and to convey its mission, vision, educational facilities, and the international opportunities it offers, Nurgül Büyükkalay and Dilek Hale Aybar attended the EAIE, the world s second largest and Europe s largest international education fair. During the fair, contacts were made which will facilitate cooperation within the Erasmus+ and Mevlana Exchange Programmes, and promote the implementation of student and academic staff exchanges. The Rector of Akdeniz University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ünal, stated that participation in the EAIE, which is held every year, is important for Akdeniz University in order to strengthen cooperation with universities in Europe, and to diversify the partnership opportunities in accordance with the targets set by Akdeniz University in the field of internationalization NEW PARTNER UNIVERSITIES Akdeniz University has recently signed cooperation protocols with Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University (Ukraine), The Federal University of Technology - Parana (Brazil), and 8 universities from Pakistan; the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Quaidi-Azam University, the National University of Sciences and Technology, the National University of Modern Languages, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Bahria University, and the International Islamic University. These protocols provide opportunities for both parties to arrange the exchange of members of the academic and administrative staff and students, as well as the facilities to arrange joint scientific activities. A list of cooperation protocols can be found on the website of the IRO at the following location; http://uio.akdeniz.edu.tr/current-cooperation-agreements. 4
AKDENIZ UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REGISTRATION International students who will be studying at Akdeniz University during the autumn semester of the 2016/2017 academic year completed their registration process between July 18 th and 22 nd 2016. In recent years the results of various examinations have been accepted for the purpose of international student admissions. This year, however, only students with results from the Akdeniz University International Student Examination (AKUS) are being accepted. The number of students who want to study at Akdeniz University has been increasing, and while 1,650 international student candidates applied to take part in the AKUS-2015 Examination last year, the number applying for the AKUS-2016 Examination this year has risen to approximately 2,600 international student candidates. The 10 programmes highest on the list of student preferences are Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Architecture, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Tourism Management, Law, and Civil Engineering. After the placement process had been completed in accordance with the AKUS Examination results, additional placement procedures for the remaining places in the quotas were carried out on the following web page between July 27 th and 31 st 2016 for candidates who have not already been placed on any diploma programme https://bys.akdeniz.edu.tr/akus/?lang=en. AKDENIZ UNIVERSITY GRADUATE PROGRAMMES ATTRACT GREAT INTEREST FROM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International student applications for graduate programmes were accepted between July 18 th and 26 th 2016 on https://bys.akdeniz.edu.tr/enstitu/. Candidates who are eligible to attend Akdeniz University completed the registration process between September 5 th and 9th 2016, and expressed their happiness at the opportunity to study at Akdeniz University. 5
ERASMUS+ KA103 PROJECT MANAGEMENT MEETING An information seminar dealing with the Erasmus+ KA103 and Erasmus+ KA107 Programmes was arranged in Çanakkale on September 26 th and 27 th 2016 by the Ministry for EU Affairs Centre for EU Education and Youth Programmes. During the seminar, information was given about the mobility process for students and staff members who would be sent abroad, and for those who would come to Turkey from abroad as part of the Erasmus+ Programme. The meeting was attended by Nurgül Büyükkalay, Serap Yeter and Özge Kaya from Akdeniz University International Relations Office. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Genç İlter, Advisor to the Rector for International Relations, stated that there were plans to send an average of 200 learning and training students, and 25 academic and administrative staff abroad as part of the Erasmus+ KA103 and Erasmus+ KA107 Mobility Programmes in Higher Education during the 2016/2017 academic year. Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlter added that as part of the Erasmus+ KA107 Project, the exchange of students with Brazil would take place for the first time, and that as a result of these projects the number of exchanges with countries outside Europe was increasing. The International Relations Office of Akdeniz University is committed to increasing the number of mobility places every year, and has already started work to prepare for the new period of activity by preparing the working programme for the 2016/2017 academic year with a view to making a significant contribution to the internationalization strategy of the university. IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMME As part of the in-service training programme operated by the International Relations Office, a programme entitled Training for Erasmus+ Project Writing was held in August 2016. Staff members of the IRO were assigned to the training programme in two different groups. Instruction for the programme, which was provided by Rabia Vezne, coordinator of EU Projects Coordinator in the IRO, lasted for two days. 6
EU YOUTH PROJECT INVEP In partnership with the International Relations Office, the EU youth project named International Volunteers in Educational Projects-INVEP was held in Cosenza Italy between August 24 th and September 4 th 2016. Under the leadership of the IRO, Nurgül Büyükkalay, the leader of the Turkey group, Ayşe Tuğcan, Atahan Taşyürek, Gürcü Kaya Çırak, Derya Lökçü and İbrahim Enes Işıkdemir from Akdeniz University participated in the project as part of a total of 35 participants which included youngsters and youth workers from Italy, Spain, Greece, Jordan and Palestine. The project focused on the topics of volunteering in educational projects, the importance of volunteering, the participation of young people in the democratic process, respect for cultural diversity, and racism. AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENTS On September 7 th 2016, the International Relations Office organized an orientation programme for 38 learning and 10 training students who will continue their studies at Akdeniz University during the autumn semester of the 2016/2017 academic year. During the programme the students were provided with information about the university, student clubs, daily life, and their adaptation to the social life on campus.cc ERASMUS+ KA1-YOUTH MOBILITY - EVS As part of European Voluntary Service (EVS) Programme, 29 young people were sent to gain experience in the fields of inclusion, exclusion and active participation with the project Act to be Part of Europe I, coordinated by the IRO. Expenses for travel, catering, accommodation, pocket money and for visas were provided for the students who attended the project. A youthpass certificate will be awarded, and opportunities for personal development support, intercultural learning, and learning more about different countries were provided. 7
MEVLANA INCOMING STUDENTS Within the scope of the Mevlana Exchange Programme for the 2016/2017 academic year, Akdeniz University welcomed 12 incoming students from Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kyrgyzstan. The Mevlana students will study in the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Communication, Tourism, Fine Arts, and Letters, as well as in the Institute of Fine Arts during the autumn semester. MEVLANA OUTGOING STUDENTS Within the scope of the Mevlana Exchange Programme for the 2016/2017 academic year, 15 Akdeniz University students are attending universities with which Akdeniz University has signed Mevlana Exchange Programme Protocols. The Mevlana students will study in Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan and Morocco. MEVLANA INCOMING ACADEMIC STAFF Lale Sadıkhova, a lecturer from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, gave courses and seminars in the Akdeniz University Faculty of Fine Arts within the scope of the Mevlana Exchange Programme. During the 2016/2017 academic year there will be 102 outgoing and 39 incoming students, and 24 incoming academic staff exchanges will be implemented within the scope of the Mevlana Exchange Programme. 8
THE GREEN AKDENIZ PROJECT As part of the 2016 Green Crescent Youth Support Programme initiated by the Turkish Green Crescent Society, a youth project named Green Akdeniz with the Green Crescent was eligible to receive a grant designed to support and publicise the activities of the Green Crescent in Akdeniz University through the inclusion of young people. The project will be coordinated by the IRO of Akdeniz University in partnership with the Akdeniz University Research and Application Centre for Alcohol and Substance Addiction, the Green Crescent in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Antalya Branch of the Green Crescent, and the Green Crescent Community of Isparta Süleyman Demirel University. As part of the project, visits to observe the Green Crescent at work, therapy workshops to help alcohol and substance addicts, and activities to publicise the aims of the project will be organised. THE EU YOUTH PROJECT ACT TO BE PART OF EUROPE II As part of the Erasmus+ KA105 Learning Mobility of Individuals European Voluntary Service Programme established by the Ministry for EU Affairs Centre for EU Education and Youth Programmes (National Agency), a youth project named Act to be Part of Europe II was prepared by the IRO and received a grant. The purpose of the project is to facilitate the reintegration into the life of the community of young people with limited opportunities, as well as increasing the ratio of young people who can benefit from opportunities in other countries. The project will be coordinated by the IRO in partnership with two youth associations; Arci Sttraus in Italy, and Proatlantico in Portugal. The project will support 10 financially limited young people and 5 disabled young people aged between 18-30 when they attend information activities dealing with the environment, disability, social inclusion, art. MEETING MY NEIGHBOUR PROJECT VIDEO FESTIVAL The video competition project Dialogue with Neighbours, which is coordinated by the System and Generation Association - S&G in cooperation with the EuroMed Youth Centre, and funded by the Anna Lindh Foundation under the Call for Proposals Network Intercultural Actions ALF/NIA/2015/01, has now been completed. The award-winning videos were presented at video festivals in Antalya, Eskişehir, and Ankara. The first festival was held with the participation of students at Akdeniz University on August 6 th 2016. After watching the videos, students discussed the situation of refugees in Turkey. The other two festivals were held in Eskişehir on August 27 th 2016, and in Ankara on August 29 th 2016. 9
THE 4th INTERNATIONAL THEATRE WORKSHOP OF THE EDUCATHE+ EDUCAtional THEatre is a space promoting inclusion and employability for People with Disabilities. This is a KA2 Adult Education Strategic Partnership Project in which the Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre is a partner with the support of the IRO, and funded by the Croatian National Agency. The fourth workshop was held in Adrasan and Antalya between September 19 th and 23 rd 2016 with the participation of 7 organisations from 6 different countries including Croatia, Turkey, Belgium, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Greece. At the end of the performance of Limitless Drama in Different Colours, an International Theatre Performance was held on September 23 rd 2016. UPPSCIENCE KA2 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Akdeniz University International Relations Office and the Vocational School of Technical Sciences have initiated UPPScience - Using Profiling and Publishing for the Upping of Scientific Approaches. This is a KA2 Strategic Partnership Project funded by the Norwegian National Agency. The Project will be carried out between September 1 st 2016 and March 31 st 2019. The partnership is made up of 22 partners including universities, high schools, vocational schools, education authorities, and other organisations under the leadership of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. UPPScience builds on the success of the VISConti project, and widens the scope and functions of the Community of Practice that was created by VISConti. It brings together professionals from management of vocational education, and training personnel and students from early Higher Education into one Community that will be a platform for the publication of small research projects through an intensive exchange by way of peer review and mentoring. During the lifetime of the Project, four training and five multiplier events will be held to disseminate the intellectual output of the Project. The first coordination meeting of the Project will be held in Brussels in November 2016. 10
The International Relations Office team of Akdeniz University would like to wish you a successful 2016/2017 academic year. NEWS FROM THE IRO TEAM Dilek Hale Aybar, staff member of the International Relations Office, has been appointed to the Faculty of Tourism. On behalf of the International Relations Office team, IRO Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur Genç İlter gave her a thank you plaque for her dedicated service as the Erasmus+ Programme Institutional Coordinator during the time she worked at the International Relations Office. 11
Nurgül Büyükkalay, Mevlana Exchange Programme Institutional Coordinator, has been appointed as the Erasmus+ Programme Institutional Coordinator. We would like to wish her success in her new appointment. We have celebrated the birthdays of Dilek Hale Aybar Tuba Aksakal, and Özge Kaya. Happy birthday to all of our colleagues, wishing them all the best! 12
Please send contributions and comments to international@akdeniz.edu.tr Address: Akdeniz University International Relations Office Rectorate, 6th Floor, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus Antalya, TURKEY Phone: +90 242 310 21 39 Fax: +90 242 310 66 29 e-mail: international@akdeniz.edu.tr Webpage: Editorial Board Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binnur GENÇ İLTER Ayça ALTAY Akdeniz University International Relations Office @AkdenizUni_IRO 13