Israel
Galillee College Welcomes Palestinian and Jordanian Senior Managers
For the first time since the outbreak of the second Intifada in September 2000, a group of 25 senior Palestinian and Jordanian officials have begun teaching advanced management training courses at Galillee College [1] in Israel. Participants include senior public administrators, university officials, faculty members, civil service managers and NGO (non-government organizations) executives.
The program is a joint effort between Galillee College and Harvard University Extension School [2], and was initiated in recognition of the public sector’s role in promoting sustainable regional economic growth. Lecturers include senior faculty members from both Harvard University and Galillee College.
“Galillee College has been cooperating with Palestinian and Jordanian organizations since 1987 and will continue to hold educational and training programs despite the difficult political situation,” said Galillee President Dr. Joseph Shevel. “When communication between governments breaks down, we must rely on people-to-people meetings to build peace.”
The Palestinians and Jordanians study for two intensive weeks, in January and again in April. In the evenings, Israeli families from Kiryat Tivon, where the college’s administrative offices are located, host the visitors at home for coffee and one-on-one personal meetings.
— Correspondence from Galillee College
Jan. 22, 2002
Phony Degree Scam Uncovered
The head of the Histadrut Teachers Union has been placed under house arrest after it was discovered that he and his deputy had purchased false degrees and used them to secure pay raises. The arrests followed the uncovering of a scam involving ISE Co., which operated extensions of Latvia and Burlington universities, and sold degrees for US$5,000 each.
ISE provided grades and phony qualifications to more than 100 public officials, including police and other civil servants, who are given wage incentives for earning advanced degrees.
The teachers union leader obtained a bachelor’s degree from Burlington University and a master’s from Latvia. He is accused of acquiring the degrees fraudulently.
In the past 10 years, university extensions have multiplied exponentially in Israel. Since 1998, institutions no longer have to obtain a license from the Council for Higher Education [3] to have their degrees recognized.
— Jerusalem Post
Dec. 11, 2001
Kuwait
New Pan-Arab School Established
The region’s first pan-Arab open university is scheduled to open in Kuwait in 2003. A Saudi development firm is funding the project, and British Open University [4] will provide technical assistance and accreditation of degrees.
The new university will be headquartered in Kuwait but will have branches in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. At least 5,000 students are expected to enroll for the first year, rising to 75,000 in 10 years.
Part of the institution’s stated mission is to provide education that will benefit women who can study at home. This adds to the growing regional trend of more women securing education and jobs. In Oman, for example, the number of girls attending school has increased fourfold since the 1970s. Similarly, in Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, more women than men are enrolled in universities — although this is partly due to many men from these countries going overseas for higher education.
Statistics also show that the number of Arab women entering the job market has doubled in the last 20 years.
— BBC News [5]
Jan. 22, 2002
Lebanon
Few Arab Students Leave U.S. to Study in Lebanon
Students fleeing the anti-Islamic backlash since Sept. 11 have been trickling into Lebanon to continue their studies. Many Arab students in the United States have reported being harassed and even physically attacked in recent months. For example, a group of people reportedly cornered a young Saudi student outside his Florida dormitory and beat him with baseball bats.
The number of students leaving the United States for Lebanon, however, is far short of the stampede predicted by the government. Shortly after the attacks, Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Harriri told universities in his country to brace themselves for a massive influx of students fleeing the hostile atmosphere against Arabs and Muslims after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.
As of late November, only about 30 Arab students, mostly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, transferred from U.S. universities to the Lebanese American University [6] in Beirut. An additional 21 students, mainly from the Gulf and from Lebanon, transferred to the American University in Beirut [7].
— Middle East Times [8]
Nov. 22, 2001
The United Arab Emirates
Adult Education Gains Popularity in UAE
UAE nationals who missed out on education are returning to the classroom in greater numbers. A recent study conducted by the Department of Childhood in Sharjah revealed that adult education programs have been attracting growing interest in the last few years.
The report shows that the number of students enrolled in adult education programs increased from 2,420 in 1993-94 to 3,024 in 1996-97, representing a 25 percent increase. UAE nationals represented more than 55 percent of students enrolled in these classes, and statistics showed that women outnumbered men. Just over 61 percent of students were women.
— Gulf News Online [9]
Jan. 1, 2001
West Continues to Attract UAE Students after Sept. 11
Despite the backlash of Sept. 11, the West — and particularly the United States —remains the major destination for UAE nationals seeking higher education, according to Regency International Educational and Business Consultancy. Regency conducts four educational seminars a year designed to assist students and parents in applying for college overseas. Linda Mann, Regency director, said she didn’t expect more than 40 students to attend the last of these seminars, and was surprised when 350 people turned up.
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi [10] reports there are currently more than 2,500 UAE nationals enrolled in U.S. schools, including 600 on government scholarships. The other three most popular overseas destinations for UAE students are the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
— Gulf News Online [9]
Dec. 30, 2001