A dynamic student experience at AUS Club Fair

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was abuzz with cultural performances and student activities at the bi-annual AUS Club Fair, which opened today, September 20, in the Student Center.  

With 85 cultural clubs, academic associations and interest-oriented organizations featured at the two-day event, AUS students have the opportunity to meet club representatives, share experiences, meet like-minded people and join the clubs of their choice.

The fair also offers students the opportunity to meet with representatives from the AUS Student Council and the Office of Student Affairs represented by the departments of Student Athletics and Recreation, Student Leadership Program, Student Residential Life, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Student Employment and Community Service and Outreach. 

Motasem Ghanem, a mechanical engineering student in his final year at AUS, is a strong advocate for student organizations and participation in extracurricular activities. As a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Debating Society and American Sign Language Initiative, Ghanem said he found a home away from home with people who soon became like family to him in these clubs.

“Club Fair is an amazing opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. It was really eye-opening for me when I first joined AUS. I have grown a lot since I joined student clubs. When I was in high school, I was more of an introvert, and I was mindful about how I shared my opinions and who I shared them with. After joining AUS, I saw how strong many students were in sharing their opinions and conducting research. So, I decided to join the Debating Society in 2019, and I also enrolled in the AUS Model United Nations and Model Congress. My life changed drastically, and I became more confident about how I present myself and express my opinions,” said Ghanem. 

He added: “The great thing about joining student clubs is that you get pushed out of your comfort zone and you grow. You also share many unforgettable experiences that get you closer to your fellow students. You feel you have a family away from home.”  

To introduce themselves to students, the clubs and organizations have several activities scheduled during the fair,such as sampling traditional cuisine, performing folkloric dance and competitions.

Utilizing virtual reality and creating a design that resembles the Museum of the Future, the Emirati Cultural Club’s theme this semester is “A Call to the Future.”   

“Our goal was to talk about the future of the UAE and express our culture and who we are. Visitors will have the opportunity to savor Emirati cuisine, play games and participate in creating a portrait of the future,” said Faris Al-Teneiji, President of the UAE Cultural Club and a finance major. 

He added: “I would call on all students to not only visit our pavilions but also check out other clubs and student organizations and pick what they are interested in. There is a lot to be gained from joining clubs like having fun, the opportunity to network and much more.”

Beyond the classroom, AUS students enjoy a vibrant and dynamic campus life with access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, teams and associations.  These activities are an essential part of AUS student life.

For more information about AUS, visit www.aus.edu.