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Dr Richard Shipway from the School of Tourism spent six days in Izmir, Turkey teaching at Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) on their annual ‘International Week’. This event, organised by the Faculty of Business attracted over thirty visiting academics from thirteen countries across Europe. Richard taught courses in tourism, events, leisure and sport.
In addition to the learning and teaching experience in Turkey, DEU organised a series of social activities and organised trips for visiting academics. These included several evening receptions at selected locations within the city of Izmir. However, by far the most memorable trip was to the ancient city of Ephesus, where there was the opportunity to explore the city ruins at great length and visit the nearby House of Virgin Mary, where it is speculated she may have spent her last days. The archaeological site at Ephesus lies three kilometres southwest of the town of Selçuk, and the ruins are a favourite international and local tourist attraction, due to their close proximity to Izmir.
Since returning from Izmir, Richard is exploring opportunities for closer staff and student exchanges with DEU and has already established various research links with staff from their Department of Tourism Management. It is hoped that other BU staff will take advantage of the teaching and research opportunities that exist in Turkey and to visit Izmir, where they will receive an exceptionally warm welcome from DEU staff, Izmir locals and fellow international visiting academics alike and enjoy some truly inspiring cultural experiences.
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