Outbound Mobility in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

Utilising various communication channels like open houses, emails, and one-on-one sessions with LUMS students, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) facilitated the participation of 17 students during the Fall 2023 semester exchange programmes at partner universities. Subsequently, in the Spring semester, 24 students participated in international exchange programmes.

Inbound Mobility in Fall 2023

The OIA welcomed two exchange students during the Fall 2023 semester. One student came from the University of Passau, Germany, and the second from the University of Kassel. Additionally, it brings great joy to LUMS that in Spring 2024, two students from Sri Lanka have enrolled at the university and will be completing their entire degree programme here.

The Sakura Science Programme 2023

Three students from LUMS Life Sciences Department participated in the Sakura Science Programme in Japan from October 1-7, 2023. Hosted by J.F. Oberlin University and funded by the Japan Ministry of Science and Technology, the programme aimed to expose Pakistani and Vietnamese students to Japan's advanced agricultural technologies. Following Japan's recovery from the 2011 earthquake, the programme highlighted resilience and progress, offering lessons in overcoming disaster-related challenges. The students experienced farm visits and factory tours, gaining practical insights and inspiration for addressing challenges in their own countries.

The B-International Staff Training on Academic Recognition, hosted by the OIA, took place on September 20 and 21, 2023. This hybrid session, the third in its series, primarily aimed to enhance staff expertise in academic recognition. Conducted collaboratively by four esteemed B-International consortium partners—NUST, COMSATS, LUMS, and PIFD—the training was structured into four distinct segments over two days. Each Pakistani partner led one segment, with Ayesha Zia from the Registrar's Office focusing on credit recognition.

On October 24-25 and 25, 2023, the OIA organised its fourth B-International training session for LUMS staff, focusing on external funding. Dr. Furrukh Khan, Associate Professor at LUMS led a comprehensive training on the basics of grant proposal writing.

• On September 15, 2023, the Office hosted a meet and greet at LUMS to celebrate the diversity of its international students. This vibrant event provided a warm introduction to campus life, with society presidents personally introducing the students to the various campus organisations.

• On January 26, 2024, the OIA hosted the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) Scholarship Information Session. This session attracted many students eager to explore the opportunities this foundation provides.

• The OIA hosted an information session in collaboration with the British Council on September 22, 2023. The session shed light on various programmes and scholarships the British Council offers.

• An Open House Session by the OIA team was held on February 16, 2024 to apprise the students about the exchange opportunities for the Fall 2024 semester followed by a Q&A session.

• The Office hosted the culmination event for the B-International Project, celebrating milestones with the B-International Consortium, which includes four European and four Pakistani universities. This capacity-building project, co-funded by the European Union, aimed to equip staff at Pakistani HEIs with the tools and knowledge to implement international strategies aligned with their universities' strategic priorities. The event featured engaging presentations highlighting key work packages and celebrating the project’s achievements.

• On October 13, 2023, the OIA organised an Open House for students to share detailed information about the student exchange opportunities for Spring 2024 semester.

• LUMS signed an MoU with IE University, Spain on October 20, 2023, in the presence of H.E. Jose Antonio De Ory, the Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan; Dr. Manuel Muniz, IE University Provost; Dr. Figueroa, Executive Director for Outreach, along with the Leaders of LUMS including Shahid Hussain, Rector; and Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost.

• LUMS hosted a delegation by the University of Gloucestershire on February 2, 2024 including Dr. Mathew Andrews, Wajid Ali, Faisal Azeem, and Prof. Ashar Jawaid. They were welcomed by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ali Cheema; Provost, Dr. Tariq Jadoon; and the OIA team. This meeting was held to discuss potential collaborations between the two universities.

• Director of the Global Engagement Office at Queen Mary University, London, Mr. Lee visited the OIA on November 23, 2023, to explore mutual interests and collaborative opportunities. Following the meeting, there was a session with students to discuss semester abroad options.

• Claire Delhomme from University Nantes, Lea Albrieux from Sciences Po and Emric Abrignani from Kedge Business School visited LUMS to explore possible collaboration between LUMS and French Universities to expand the outreach for our students.

• Simone Davies and Saad Wasim from Kent University, UK visited OIA and discussed potential collaborations for our students.