Within the framework of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in March 2023, and under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a high-level delegation visited the United States of America to enhance professional services within Egyptian higher education institutions.
Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour affirmed the Ministry’s endeavor to achieve an integrated vision for developing professional services in Egyptian universities, in line with the global requirements of the labor market, noting that this visit reflects the Ministry’s keenness to benefit from successful international experiences to support our youth and provide them with the necessary tools to achieve their professional ambitions.
The visit aimed to exchange knowledge and experiences in several areas related to professional services, with a focus on: practices of professional centers, methods of following up on graduates, organizational structures of professional centers, experiential learning techniques, use of tools and data, success stories and most prominent challenges, in addition to possible cooperation opportunities.
The delegation made field trips to career centers at prestigious institutions such as: Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Georgetown, Florida State, Temple University, in addition to the University of Pennsylvania.
These tours resulted in the exchange of valuable insights into the best practices and innovative strategies adopted by American universities in providing career services. The delegation also held constructive discussions with leaders of the National Career Development Association (NCDA), which allowed the exploration of new horizons of cooperation to support Egyptian students and graduates.
The visit also included a visit to the newly renovated Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau (ECEB) in Washington, D.C. The delegation was briefed on the activities and programs offered by the office; To enhance educational and cultural exchange, in addition to visiting the permanent museum in the office.
The delegation included Prof. Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, Prof. Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Strategic Planning and Employment Affairs and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Dr. Maha Fakhry, Head of the Department of University Career Centers Development at the American University in Cairo, Dr. Nader Ayoub, Project Management Officer at USAID, and Ms. Wafaa Al-Adawi, Project Management Specialist at USAID/Egypt. The delegation was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Nirmeen A. Sabry, Cultural and Educational Attache and the Director of the Bureau in Washington.
