Groundbreaking Visit by 21 Students Marks the Beginning of a Transformative Partnership

A pivotal moment in academic collaboration unfolds as Aristotle University in Thessaloniki welcomes 21 students from the University of Delaware, USA. This visit, part of the Study Abroad Program, serves as a practical testament to the burgeoning partnership between Aristotle University and prominent academic institutes in the USA.

Under the guidance of Professor Shah S. Ismat, the students from the University of Delaware are being hosted by AUTh from January 4th to February 1st, 2023. The Study Abroad Program, spanning approximately a month, immerses international students in lectures from both the host university and their home university. This unique experience enables students to familiarize themselves with teaching methods, philosophies, histories, and cultures of universities abroad.

During their visit, the students from the University of Delaware will engage in a series of lectures at AUTh focusing on material studies, providing them with insights into the university’s academic prowess and the rich history of Thessaloniki.

Today, on Monday, January 9th, 2023, Professor Nikolaos G. Papaioannou, the Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, met with the visiting students. Professor Papaioannou highlighted AUTh’s extensive research activities and the diverse range of scientific subjects offered in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

“The internationalization of our university, particularly with a focus on academic institutions in the USA, is now a reality, fortifying the global outlook of AUTh. Our collaborations with distinguished international universities, especially those in the USA, yield substantial educational, academic, and research opportunities, enhancing mobility for students on both ends,” emphasized Professor Nikolaos G. Papaioannou.

Coordinators of the existing Cooperation Agreement, Professor Marina Matthaioudaki and Associate Professor Tatiani Rapatzikou, spoke during the event. The visit and lecture organization were a collaborative effort with Professor Aggeliki Lemonidou from the Chemical Engineering Department at AUTh. Lectures also featured contributions from Assistant Professor Eleftheria Manta and Assistant Professor Dimitrios Papastamatiou from the History and Archaeology Department at AUTh, presenting the history of Thessaloniki.

The collaboration between Aristotle University and the University of Delaware officially commenced in 2019 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Within this collaboration, AUTh actively participates in the Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (ARTC) program, providing training and certification for Greek language teachers in Delaware.

Looking ahead, a parallel visit is scheduled for early March when students from the University of Stockton will visit Aristotle University, further expanding the horizon of international academic collaboration.