Birzeit University in Palestine
Located in the city of Birzeit in Palestine, Birzeit University was the first institution of higher education to be established in Palestine in 1975. Its nine faculties focus on policy-oriented research to assist in the economic, social, and human development of Palestine; the works of additional institutes and centers are dedicated to the development and support of community-oriented programs that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Palestine.
The State of Palestine is a partially recognized state in the Middle East. It is containing the two areas West Bank and Gaza Strip. Today’s Palestine exists since the conflicts with Israel in 1948 and 1967, leading to the current difficult and adversarial political situation. Due to this situation, Palestinians had left their homes and some of them fled to the West Bank. Refugee camps were formed, many of which still exist today. Those camps have the structure and size of small towns, but with a fragile infrastructure. Unemployment rates are high and the population rising rapidly.
As a region as well as a state, Palestine has a rich, long and tumultuous history where religion, culture, commerce, and politics intersect. For more information, please refer to this article (German).
University of Siegen in Germany
The University of Siegen was founded in the city of Siegen in 1972. It is located centrally in the Siegerland – in an area that is bordering the three German federal states of Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatine. Founded as a comprehensive university, the University of Siegen brings together theoretical and practical training, as well as a regional approach in its study programs and research. It strives for equal opportunities and enhanced permeability in the educational system. Today the University of Siegen hosts more than 18.500 students in a variety of degree programs across four different faculties. More than 12% of the students are internationals.
The Siegerland has a long history of iron mining and working, dating back to 600 BC. Today, the region is still known for a strong metal working industry, but also promotes itself as a touristic area, and as a source of minerals and fossils.