In the context of mobility and students and staff exchange, and under the patronage of the university president and in the presence of the vice president for academic affairs, the dean of international relations, and the dean of student's affairs, the International Relations Office at AQU organized a welcome event for the alumni and internship holders of Erasmus + ICM to highlight the impact of ICM and the goals and benefits of such internships. The event took place on the 5th of November, in Gaza Campus.

Dr. Nabil El Aila, Dean of the International Relations Affairs, began the event by introducing the vital role of the international relations office in promoting Al-Aqsa university among the international universities and the efforts towards building new strategic cooperation and partnerships with the international higher education institutions globally. He also explained the importance of ICM and exchange programs for both students and staff in enhancing their professional skills and academic competencies and deepen their understanding of other cultures.

From his side, Prof. Ayman Sobh, the university president, welcomed the participants and congratulates the internship holders, and wished them a fruitful participation in the host institution they are going to undertake the period of their study or supplement their education through mobility programs. He pointed out that many students and staff members of Al-Aqsa university have got the opportunity to experience learning, teaching, and training in universities in EU countries. Through ICM, students acquire new skills that support their professional development, boost their future careers, and interpersonal skills. Academic staff can also experience new teaching and working methods after exchanging knowledge and expertise and can joint researches. I strongly recommend and invite the administrative and academic staff and the students to catch such opportunities.

Students and staff had a great role in this event they gave positive feedback about their participation in ICM and encouraged more individuals to look for and apply for exchange scholarships and internships, as ICM is an opportunity to explore new cultures, meet and engage with new people, and experience new learning methods and develop students' personalities as they learn to be more independent and responsible.

It is worth noting that Al-Aqsa University has been participating in the exchange programs in terms of Erasmus+ since 2018 seeking and obtaining real opportunities for students, teaching and administrative staff. During the last two years, the University has expanded its network with a large number of universities in many EU countries such as Turkey Italy, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom Portugal, and Spain. The university has a successful experience with YTU in Turkey and Almeria University in Spain and still have ongoing projects with Ca Foscari University of Venice and Sapienza university in Italy. AQU is ready to share its experiences with the University of Murcia and the University of Jaen as it has ongoing ICM projects with them. In 2020 Al-Aqsa University managed to be a partner in six ICM projects with new universities in the EU.