From January 20 to 24, 2025, a nine-people delegation from Birzeit University (BZU) visited Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) to strengthen the existing Erasmus partnership and explore new opportunities for cooperation in research, teaching and academic mobility. A significant milestone in the collaboration was the first ever sending of four BZU students to FU Berlin for an Erasmus+ semester, underlining the growing academic exchange between the two universities.

During the visit, the delegation took part in talks with academics from the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies, the Cluster of Excellence “Temporal Communities” and other research programs. Joint research projects were discussed and opportunities for long-term institutional networking were explored. A particular focus was placed on digitalization in research and teaching. The guests were given an insight into the FU Berlin's digital examination centers, which are pioneers in computer-assisted examination technology. In light of the challenges facing teaching at the BZU, this exchange offered valuable suggestions for the further development of digital examination formats.

The topic of sustainability was also a focus of the visit. The delegation discussed sustainable campus strategies with representatives of the FU Berlin and presented Birzeit University's progress in this area. It is particularly impressive that BZU now covers 95% of its energy requirements with solar energy. The exchange showed that both universities pursue different approaches, but can benefit from each other's experiences.

The visits and discussions have further strengthened the cooperation between Freie Universität Berlin and Birzeit University. Both universities expressed their interest in expanding the exchange of students and teachers and launching joint research initiatives. This visit laid an important foundation for the further development of the Erasmus partnership, which strengthens international academic exchange and provides new impulses for sustainable and digital higher education.