Dr. James Witte (left) and Dean Frances Kochan (middle) presented gifts to visitors from Suez Canal University during a reception at the Student Center.

Dr. James Witte can read, write and speak Arabic, but he admits his skills have atrophied somewhat over the years due to limited opportunities to apply them. Emerging partnerships between Auburn University and Suez Canal University in Ismalia, Egypt, will allow Witte to dust off his linguistic skills.

"I'm in the process of undergoing the rebirth of a skill, which I will enjoy,'' said Witte, associate professor and adult and higher education program coordinator in the College of Education's Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology.

A contingent from Suez Canal University will visit Auburn to finalize partnerships with Auburn University, the College of Education and other campus units. While the members of the group are English proficient, Witte said he welcomes the opportunity to brush up on his Arabic. The College of Education will welcome the Suez Canal University visitors for a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Student Center 2107.

A cooperative agreement between Auburn's College of Education and Suez Canal University will open the door for faculty and student exchange, as well as research collaborations. Mohammed Sywelen, a doctoral student from Suez Canal University assigned to EFLT, has been instrumental in helping the relationship flourish. After Sywelem completes his doctorate in higher education administration, he will join the faculty at Suez Canal University.

The College of Education represents one of the campus units interested in forming partnerships with Suez Canal University. Witte said Suez Canal University plans to work with the College of Agriculture as it develops a fisheries program and will also work with Auburn's Center for Governmental Services and Institutional Research Board.

"There's a wonderful opportunity for student exchange, for faculty exchange and for cross fertilizing in a different culture,'' Witte said.

Established in 1976, Suez Canal University boasts an enrollment of more than 21,000 students.

The College of Education has succeeded in fostering collaboration with a number of international universities and scholars. In July 2009, the college hosted faculty and students from Korea University to discuss the formation of joint service learning projects, research collaborations, visiting professorships and semester-long teaching practicum and internship opportunities.