My name is Amira Hamdy El.Sayed Abdou Ghazy, PhD and Lecturer of Interior Architecture in the Faculty of Arts and Design at Pharos University in Alexandria PUA.
I am profoundly honored and grateful to ALLAH, Pharos University, and Erasmus+ for granting me the invaluable opportunity to participate in the International workshop: GRAPHS Workshop (GRAphic Pattern from HeritageS: how heritage can inspire graphic pattern for exhibit) at the Department of Architecture, University of Federico II, in Napoli, Italy, from February 3 to February 7, 2025.
As a Visiting Professor, I had the privilege to deliver lectures, mentor students, and contribute my expertise in interior architecture and design. This prestigious event allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant academic environment and explore the relationship between heritage and contemporary design practices. At DIARC, Collaborating with esteemed Italian professors, I engaged in exploring patterns inspired by the works of renowned Neapolitan Masters: Filippo Alison, Riccardo Dalisi, and Ezio Bruno De Felice. My lectures contributed to enhancing the connection between Egyptian and Italian design heritage, emphasizing how cultural influences shape interior architecture and artistic expression through talented students enriched my academic journey, inspiring future research and collaborative projects. The hands-on lab activities, outdoor visits to archives, and insightful mid-term reviews contributed significantly to my professional development.
Napoli’s vibrant culture, historic architecture, and dynamic design scenes made my stay unforgettable. The accessible metro stations, such as Toledo and Università, made transportation from and to the University easy and convenient, enhancing the overall experience. Adding more, the warm hospitality offered a perfect blend of academic rigor and cultural exploration. This experience has enhanced my teaching methodologies and broadened my design perspective, enabling me to share invaluable insights with my students and colleagues at Pharos University.

I look forward to future collaborations, inspired by the knowledge and cultural exchange gained through this workshop.

Day ( 1 ): GRAPHS Workshop
Lecture Introducing PUA & Site-Visit: exploring patterns inspired by the works of renowned Neapolitan Masters: Filippo Alison, Riccardo Dalisi, and Ezio Bruno De Felice.

Day (2 ): GRAPHS Workshop
Lecture: A t DIARC + DBE University of Federico II, Napoli, Italy

Day (4 ): GRAPHS Workshop
Mid-Term reviews contribution collaborating with esteemed Italian professors and meeting our Egyptian students from PUA

Day (5 ): GRAPHS Workshop
Around 60 Students
from all around the world are enga ged in the international
Workshop GRAPHS and did an amazing outcome presenting their projects!

Hello,

I am Monika Zajicek and I am a physiotherapist, teaching at University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna (Bachelor Programme Physiotherapy).

Dr. Agnes Sturma, head of the faculty of physiotherapy, and I spent 4 days (24.-27. February 2025) at Pharos University in Alexandria to set up a cooperation between the two universities. Together with two colleagues from the faculty of biomedical sciences we had an unforgettable week, full of interesting exchange, cultural experiences and also a lot of fun.

We were impressed by the very warm welcome at the administration building where we met the president, the leading staff at P.U.A., the head of international relations and colleagues from both faculties. Everyone made us feel welcome and supported us during the whole stay.

For me personally, the team and the students made it a great experience to give two workshops on manual therapy and contraindications for physiotherapy. The special interest in hands on therapy by students and colleagues showed us, that we have the same understanding of physiotherapy education.

The cultural life, the delicious food and the outstanding hospitality were great – we want to come again next year!

I am Daniel Bäcker, PhD, a pharmacist by profession and work as a lecturer at the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. Following a previous visit to Berlin by a delegation from Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA), I was invited to be a guest lecturer at PUA in Egypt. At the end of February 2025, the time had finally come – my travels took me to Alexandria with great anticipation.

On site at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, I gave students an introduction to atomic as well as molecular absorption spectrometry (AAS/MAS) in lectures. The students showed remarkably lively participation in the basics of optical spectroscopy that they were already familiar with. They followed the newly presented content with great attention and the presentation of practical applications of the techniques in pharmaceutical research generated a lot of interested questions.

I was also given insights into the practical training of future pharmacists at the PUA by taking part in some of the practical units in the student laboratory. I discussed the curriculum with the faculty, focusing on the “Pharmaceutical Chemistry” courses. Many things are similar to what I know, some are different. Mutual exchange revealed opportunities to further optimize our own processes.

My impressions on campus also went beyond the Faculty of Pharmacy to other departments. And even further: in Alexandria I was given a tour of the impressive library Bibliotheca Alexandrian. I was shown the Citadel, where the Pharos lighthouse – a former wonder of the ancient world – once stood. And then there was one remaining wonder of the world: the pyramids of Gizeh on the day trip to Cairo.

I would like to thank the PUA for the invitation and the generous hospitality on site in Egypt. Thank you very much for all the educational, scientific, cultural, and culinary insights. Shukran!