Research Stays

Exchange of Research Stays

Students and researchers have the opportunity to conduct short research stays in both Cairo and Cologne on the topic of Migration Governance and Dialogue between Europe and the North African Mediterranean world.

By Elena Habersky in Cologne

As a visiting researcher at the University of Cologne: Global South Studies Center, during my two months at the center (October and November 2023), I participated in and presented at the Dialogue on Migration Governance in the Euro-Mediterranean (DiaMiGo) week-long Fall Academy; gave a lecture related to Refugee Rights in Egypt and their impact on those fleeing the Sudanese Conflict to Cairo; and conducted research pertaining to my own interests. I also attended almost every Tuesday lecture from the GSSC, which was an excellent way to connect with colleagues, and participated in a fantastic weekly seminar on 'Sounding Inequalities' with visiting scholar Luis Gimenez Amoros. Outside of the Center, I visited Cologne's many museums, churches, and heritage sites, ate lots of excellent food, and visited the world-famous Christmas markets at the end of November. I will cherish the contacts and memories made over these two months for many years to come.

By Elçin Turan

I was in Cairo and at the American University of Cairo for a research stay through the project of the Dialogue on Migration Governance in the Euro-Mediterranean (DiaMiGo). The project aims to promote an exchange of ideas on migration movements, politics, and dynamics in the Euro-Mediterranean region and provide fruitful experiences for the students and scholars at the University of Cologne (UoC) and the American University of Cairo (AUC). Considering myself having a variety of fruitful and great experiences at the AUC and in Cairo, I can say from my perspective that the project has reached its aims.

I went to Cairo and the American University of Cairo (AUC) in November 2023. I appreciate how we were warmly welcomed by Professor İbrahim Awad, Professor Gerda Heck, and Professor Amira Ahmed. It was a great pleasure to meet Prof. Ibrahim Awad. I had the great opportunity to listen to Prof. İbrahim Awad’s ideas not only on the subject of my dissertation but his further thoughts on various topics. 

 I was already looking forward to meeting Prof. Gerda Heck because of her contributions to the field of migration, and I could have this great opportunity during my research stay. Moreover, I could meet Prof. Amira Ahmed from whom I learned a lot on some significant socio-political issues. And, Prof. Amira Ahmed’s publications are now among the scholarly sources that guide my research. Furthermore, during my research stay, I was able to attend two important classes given by Cologne-based scholar Dr. Nina Ter Laan. In addition to taking place in those highly informative and interactive classes provided by Dr. Nina Ter Laan, it was a big pleasure to meet the AUC students during these classes as well as to see how they are enthusiastic to learn and actively participate in the discussions

During my research stay, I was also at the amazing Tahrir Campus to work on my dissertation. The Tahrir Campus was very attractive with its architecture and its location in the heart of Cairo. Additionally, the campus’s cafeteria which is structured as a great study space with its calm atmosphere and comfortable design enabled me to focus perfectly on my work. Studying there was extremely pleasant as it was possible to be accompanied by the sound of the birds in the cafeteria’s backyard which has an adorable tree as a home to the birds, and during my breaks, I was able to watch in the front yard the stunning historical monuments and the beautiful environment of the campus.

We stayed in Cairo, in one of the nice neighborhoods with its great people. Experiencing life in Cairo is unforgettable.  During daily walks in the city, I had a chance to meet the great people of Cairo. We also had a chance to tour the city. Of course; we visited Pyramids. We went to the Pyramids of Giza. Visiting the Pyramids was truly stunning but it would not have been that informative and enriching experience if we had not been guided by Remon Ayub who is an archeology student at Cairo University. Owing to Remon Ayub’s knowledge of ancient history and his style of communicating his knowledge, it became possible to feel informed and enriched by the Pyramids visit. And, we visited the amazing Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC) where I was fascinated by all the impressive artifacts and Egypt's rich and captivating history.

All in all; it was a wonderful experience to be in Cairo and at the American University of Cairo. I appreciate the DAAD that funds this research stay. I appreciate my supervisor Prof. Martin Zillinger who informed me about the opportunity of the research stay; the AUC scholars - Prof. İbrahim Awad, Prof. Gerda Heck, and Prof. Amira Ahmed and Prof. Maysa Ayoub- who welcomed us; and the staff and the students at the American University of Cairo and at the University of Cologne, who have put efforts for such a fruitful project of DiaMiGo, and make it happen.

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