Polytechnic University expands the geography of RAFU

SPbPU is actively expanding the geography of its activities. In late April, representatives of the university visited Morocco, where a number of important working meetings with future members of the consortium took place. The trip was organized with the support of the Association of SPbPU Alumni in Morocco (Association Marocaine des Polytechniciens de Saint Petersbourg) represented by AMPSP President Omar Sabri and the Honorary Consul General of Russia in Agadir Abdellatif Abid.

Maxim Zalyvsky, head of the RAFU Project Office, and Alla Mazina, deputy head of the International Education Department, held a meeting with the SPbPU Alumni Association in Morocco. They discussed the prospects of opening the SPbPU Information Center and Recruitment Center in Casablanca.

SPbPU representatives held talks with representatives of the Moroccan Federation of Private Education (FEP), represented by Abdesslam Benahra, Vice President of the Federation, Mohamed Loukili, CEO of EFET Group, and Rachid M’Rabet, President of the Atlantic University. As a result, agreements were reached on cooperation in scientific conferences, development of joint networking programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Private universities have expressed their desire to join RAFU. With Atlantic University the development of double degree master’s degree programs in English in the field of management, trade and entrepreneurship, as well as joint postgraduate programs has been initiated.

The Polytechnic also visited the International Student Forum in Casablanca, where they presented SPbPU educational programs for Moroccan applicants.

At the meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Social Development of Morocco, the country’s development priorities were outlined, including the need to develop seawater desalination systems, alternative energy and women’s entrepreneurship.

The visit to Hassan II University in Casablanca led to the decision to sign a bilateral agreement and a roadmap for cooperation with SPbPU, as well as to join Hassan II University in RAFU. The possibility of organizing conferences of the Russian-African Network University in different African countries was discussed.

Professor Abdelilah Braxa proposed to open the Center of Russian Language and Culture in Morocco together with Polytechnic University. Professor Kettani Anass, Director of the Center for Professional Integration and Entrepreneurship, was interested in the joint work of students and professors in the field of entrepreneurship development.

During the visit to the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Bengerir expressed their intention to establish a joint Center for Online Education with Polytechnic and to develop academic mobility and dual degree programs in English on the basis of SPbPU master’s degree programs.

Cooperation with Moroccan universities represents significant potential and requires special attention. Cooperation in technical sciences and engineering specialties facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experience and stimulates innovation. Joint programs in medicine, aviation, information technology and cybersecurity offer students unique opportunities for education and professional training, said Maxim Zalyvsky.

Alla Mazina and Maxim Zalyvsky made a working visit to the International University of Agadir, where it was decided to prepare for signing a bilateral agreement and developing a roadmap for cooperation with SPbPU. The colleagues also discussed the signing of a memorandum on the University’s joining RAFU. The SPbPU delegation noted the high level of Moroccan universities both in terms of infrastructure — high-tech buildings, equipped with modern laboratories, and in terms of teaching staff, among which there are many doctors, specialists of high level.