Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, three of our Master of Public Health (MPH) students were able to complete their Spring 2021 semester at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT). Issa Al Fata, Hadiya Leya Affara, and Theodore Khalil joined the Erasmus Study Mobility Program and benefitted greatly from this unique opportunity.

In addition to taking courses that fulfill their MPH degree requirements, the students were also able to learn Greek and explore the Cypriot culture and environment. Issa, Hadiya, and Theodore had to endure the challenges of adapting to a new teaching environment and a new culture. They were thrilled to be part of this experience since it helped them grow and become more independent. Hadiya remarked that this opportunity allowed her to expand her perspective as a Public Health student beyond the borders of Lebanon by providing her with the possibility to build strong networks with professionals and students from all over the world under the Erasmus umbrella.

During the past four years, the Public Health Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand has been collaborating with researchers at CUT on various projects. Dean Huda Huijer joins the Chairperson of the Public Health Department, Dr. Myriam Mrad, in thanking CUT for hosting and guiding our students throughout the Spring 2021 semester. They congratulate Issa, Hadiya, and Theodore for their perseverance and professionalism. Dr. Mrad highlighted that such opportunities allow students and colleagues within the field of Public Health to expand their international collaborations on both academic and research fronts.