This is Dr. Silvia Elias. I had the pleasure of participating in an Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Exchange at Trinity College Dublin from April 20 to May 8, 2026, representing the Faculty of Languages and Translation at Pharos University. The experience was truly enjoyable on both the academic and personal levels. It gave me the chance to meet inspiring scholars and administrators, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections in a vibrant and welcoming international environment.
During the visit, I worked on developing new opportunities for collaboration and guest lectured. I also conducted a workshop for staff members and postgraduate students on my latest international publication with Cambridge University Press.
My meetings with the Global Office focused on improving future mobility experiences for Pharos students and finding smoother ways to support upcoming exchanges. One of the most rewarding parts of the visit was discussing practical ideas for stronger collaboration between both institutions, including guest lectures and wider Erasmus+ opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as research projects.
Beyond the academic side, I truly enjoyed discovering the beauty and culture of Dublin. Exploring places such as Trinity College Dublin, Temple Bar, St. Patrick Cathedral, St Stephen's Green, and the beautiful seaside area of Howth made the experience even more memorable. The city’s rich history, friendly atmosphere, and lively cultural scene added a special touch to the entire journey.
Overall, it was a valuable and inspiring experience that combined learning, networking, cultural exchange, and unforgettable moments in one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Teaching Mobility at Pharos University Alexandria /Ägypten

Monika Zajicek       April 25th – 30th 2026

My name is Monika Zajicek and I am a physiotherapist and a senior lecturer teaching at University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna (Bachelor Programme Physiotherapy) for almost 20 years.

I have spent a wonderful week at Pharos University in Alexandria to intensify the cooperation between the two universities. As it was my second visit, it was nice to meet many staff members from last year. It felt like coming home to friends. I travelled with my colleague Martin from HCW and we were overwhelmed by the very warm welcome in the Dean´s office.

Thanks to the support by PUA and the Eramus+ funding we were able to stay a whole week to learn about Egyptian physiotherapy education and intensify intercultural competencies. I want to thank especially Dr. Lamiaa Said (International Coordinator Physiotherapy) and Dr. Mennathalla Gowayed (Head of International Relations) for supporting us throughout the whole week.

Students and staff created a nice setting for the teaching sessions on manual therapy, neurodynamic treatment and red flags in physiotherapy. We even got cup cakes from one of the students on the second day, thank you Shadwa. Everyone in the sessions contributed by asking questions, practicing, translating and supporting by friendliness.

Being able to participate in presentations on clinical research from PUA staff made it even more interesting and gave us an insight into research strategies at the university.

This year´s visit at the outpatient clinic at PUA showed the great need for physiotherapy treatments in the community. We shared a patient treatment with dry needling, peeked in on a teaching session in electro therapy and watched a student`s treatment of a child with a neurologic disorder.

We even had the chance to meet our student Rebecca in the clinical setting and see her happy to do her internship in Alexandria.

For me personally, the team and the students made it a special experience to be treated with great respect and attentiveness in the workshops, in the team meetings and during all activities in Alexandria (Roman-Greek Museum, Montazah Palace).

The focus on 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 wish to be able to join you next year!