Introduction

 International Scientific and Academic Cooperation

In today’s world, scientific and international cooperation among universities, as well as academic and research institutions, is of particular importance. Such cooperation continuously contributes to maintaining and enhancing the scientific vitality and dynamism of these institutions. The ease of communication and intercontinental travel, together with access to diverse information through international information networks, has brought the members of the global village closer than ever before and has, in practice, made bilateral and multilateral cooperation increasingly essential.

Razi University is one of the universities in the Islamic Republic of Iran with an international orientation. The University’s scientific and international activities began, to some extent, from the very early years following its establishment. By studying the programs and practices of leading universities around the world and drawing upon the knowledge and experience of its distinguished faculty members, the University has developed and implemented extensive international activities.

The Directorate of International Scientific Cooperation of Razi University, with the aim of centralizing all international scientific affairs of the University and establishing and expanding inter-university relations at the international level, began its activities in November 2004 as a unit affiliated with the University’s Vice Presidency for Research and Technology. It currently operates independently under the supervision of the President of Razi University.

In accordance with the responsibilities defined by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and approved by the Management and Planning Organization of Iran, the Directorate seeks to provide the necessary foundations for developing relations between universities inside and outside the country. At present, the responsibilities of the Directorate of International Scientific Cooperation are carried out through two units:

• International Scientific Cooperation Unit

• International Students Unit

 International Scientific Cooperation Unit

The International Scientific Cooperation Unit is the University’s principal body responsible for external relations in educational affairs and international exchanges. The Unit undertakes the necessary measures for planning and coordinating the University’s scientific activities with academic institutions and centers inside and outside the country; facilitating the dispatch of faculty members abroad; assisting in obtaining visas for faculty members of universities and scientific institutions to participate in international conferences and present papers, undertake research fellowships, and engage in other academic activities; inviting international guests; and participating in the organization of workshops, training courses, seminars, and international conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducting the necessary studies to identify the status and capabilities of universities in other countries in order to gain experience and develop cooperation programs with them in accordance with Razi University’s internationalization policies;

• Developing policies and programs for establishing and expanding the University’s international and regional cooperation with other universities and international scientific and research institutions, and enhancing the international recognition of Razi University;

• Supervising the preparation of international contracts, agreements, protocols, and memoranda of understanding, and following up on them until the agreed-upon provisions are implemented;

• Taking the necessary measures to obtain authorization for university staff and faculty members to travel abroad, in cooperation with the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology and the Vice Presidency for Education and Graduate Studies;

• Reviewing and approving the dispatch of student teams to participate in international scientific and sporting Olympiads, in cooperation with the Vice Presidency for Education and Graduate Studies and the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs;

• Certifying certificates and letters of introduction issued for faculty members and students for submission to foreign embassies;

• Certifying documents related to students seeking to continue their studies at universities abroad;

• Following up on the necessary arrangements for visits by international officials and guests;

• Following up on and carrying out activities related to the International Interactions Center of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology concerning Iranian specialists residing abroad;

• Coordinating activities among vice presidencies, faculties, and other affiliated units in matters related to international and cross-border activities;

• Following up on matters related to the University’s active participation in international scientific associations and networks;

• Promoting and facilitating the participation of non-Iranian professors and scholars in the University’s academic units;

• Promoting cooperation with Iranian specialists and scientists residing abroad;

• Participating in scientific, educational, and international exhibitions;

• Handling the University’s international correspondence with universities and scientific institutions abroad;

• Inviting distinguished international scholars and organizing seminars, training workshops, and international conferences at the University;

• Reviewing and approving the dispatch of Persian-language instructors from Razi University abroad, in accordance with applicable regulations and for the purpose of promoting the Persian language, in cooperation with the Vice Presidency for Education and Graduate Studies;

• Establishing the necessary framework for introducing the University in order to attract international students;

• Contributing to the improvement of the University’s academic standing and ranking at the national and international levels;

• Updating the information on the website of the International Relations and Scientific Cooperation Office.

International Students Unit

Today, the internationalization of the economy, culture, science, and technology, along with the recruitment of international students, contributes to active participation in the global process of knowledge production, facilitates technology transfer, and enriches the educational process.

Accordingly, in line with the policy of internationalizing the University and providing a suitable environment for talented individuals from other countries to pursue their studies at Razi University as a reputable academic institution, the International Students Unit was established in 2012.

This Unit seeks to promote the Persian language and literature and provide instruction in Persian to non-Iranian students, as well as to introduce the culture and civilization of Islamic Iran.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Handling matters related to the admission of scholarship and non-scholarship international students, including receiving applicants’ applications and information, reviewing academic documents, forwarding applications to the relevant faculties, obtaining the necessary inquiries and approvals from the Directorate General of Student Affairs of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and issuing final admission decisions;

• Consulting with faculty deans and department heads to expedite and facilitate the admission of international students, and strengthening online communication with international students prior to final registration and interviews in order to reduce costs for foreign applicants and visitors;

• Providing the necessary assistance for obtaining study visas for admitted students;

• Registering admitted students at the University and obtaining student residence permits from the relevant authorities;

• Introducing admitted international students for accommodation in Razi University’s dormitories;

• Issuing certificates of enrollment and student status for international students;

• Following up on international students’ health insurance matters;

• Handling tuition-related matters for international students;

• Providing international students with information regarding educational, research, cultural, and student affairs;

• Assisting international students in participating in academic and scientific conferences;

• Handling matters related to students enrolled in joint programs between Razi University and foreign universities;

• Conducting the necessary correspondence concerning international graduates and alumni;

• Planning and coordinating with the Persian Language Center to organize educational courses for international students;

• Supervising the implementation of Persian language courses;

• Certifying certificates of participation in Persian language training courses for international students.