Country Meeting with Iran

This IC offered a great opportunity to catch up with our extension in Iran, get to know the people better, learn about the Iranin realiy and how we from Germany can support our extension best.
The MCP from Iran, Alireza, and the MCVP Exchange, Communication & IS (what a job description…), Neda, are here at IC. Yesterday evening we had a country meeting with Neda, and she gave us a very detailed update on how things are going in Iran. We talked about the current state of the LC and MC, about their exchange plans, CEEDers, conferences and trainings, planned projects, knowledge management, and many other topcis.
As none of us has been directly responsible for the Iran extension, we were all really impressed what is already happening in Iran. Many information have been new for us and we identified many small things how we can improve our suport for Iran. Neda is a wonderful young woman, and she knows exactly what she wants.
Iran will be looking for a CEEDer this fall and next spring, an there will also be new exchange opportunities with Unilever. We are very much looking forward to receive more detailed information to pass on to you. So keep your eyes open on SAM, this might be the challenge you have been looking for!!

At night we had MENA (Middle East - Northern Africa) party, with chicha, arabic music and dancing. MENA parties are traditionally non-alcohol parties. It was quite sad to see, that this seemed to be a reason for many people to prefer to have country meeting and working groups instead of joining the party. Nevertheless there was a good atmosphere J.

Yesterday I had also a meeting with the MCVP ER from Bahrain. It was very interesting to hear which events they organize together with companies, how they position themselves, and what their proposition to companies is. She told me, that it was very hard for them to offer “Talent Access” to companies, as it is so easy for global companies in Bahrain to have access to students from all over the world, so they are not wiling to pay for any acitivities offering engagement with students from Bahrain. Again I realized, how little I know about Middle East countries and realities. This IC opens my eyes and challenges my perspective on these countries. I’m really looking forward to having more discussions!
Birte