Bridgewater State University has signed an exchange agreement with Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Morocco, which opens the door for students and faculty from both institutions to share in international learning experiences.
“We at Bridgewater are extremely proud that we now have a formal partnership with Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University and we look forward to many years of working closely together on a host of educational activities,” said President Dana Mohler-Faria, as he and President Omar Assobhein of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University signed the agreement.
Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi, professor of communication and director of BSU’s Center for Middle East Studies, said the Moroccan university joins the list of other partnerships BSU has in the region, including ones with Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, and the University of Duhok in Kurdistan, Iraq.
“These new vibrant partnerships have many unique areas of expertise and specialties that will be shared for the benefit of both institutions and communities,” said Dr. Al-Obaidi. “The agreements offer opportunities that include faculty exchange, student exchanges, joint research, joint conferences, study tours, professional development, projects on social justice, leadership training, cultural and educational workshops, undergraduate research, graduate advising and mentoring, short time co-teaching, and more.”
Joining President Assobhein during his visit to Bridgewater were Dr. Mohamend Bokbot, dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, and Dr. Mohammed Moubtassime, head of English studies and coordinator of undergraduate programs.
The university was founded in 1975 and is composed of four campuses. It encompasses 13 institutions of research and higher education studies. (Story and photo by David Wilson, ’71, University News)
