AUS computer science student selected for global coding school

American University of Sharjah (AUS) computer science student by day and coder by night, Radi Aman has just emerged from a 26-day immersive learning experience with 42 Abu Dhabi—a highly competitive nonprofit school that offers students the chance to deep dive into the world of coding.

Leveraging his learning at AUS’s College of Engineering, Aman was selected to be part of the program after a rigorous three-stage admission process. The young coder successfully balanced his studies at AUS while investing 14 hours a day in a series of intensive challenges designed to test his aptitude in computer programming, motivation and commitment to learn.

 “The important thing I’ve learned at AUS that helped me is time management and the ability to balance different workloads efficiently. Yes, it was exhausting, but it was so much fun! I can easily say that those days spent trying to win access to the program were among the best 26 days of my life,” said Aman.

42 Abu Dhabi is one of more than 20 campuses of the coding school, launched locally as part of a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge and 42. The private, nonprofit and tuition-free computer programming school is funded by French billionaire Xavier Niel and others, under the umbrella of the UAE-France strategic partnership and Abu Dhabi’s Ghadan 21 accelerator program. Based on peer-to-peer learning, participants engage in challenging programming projects, intern with several technology giants and find employment before the program ends.  

The opportunity to work with 42 Abu Dhabi complements Aman’s studies in computer science at AUS. His studies at AUS are equipping him with the solid academic foundation, technical savvy and confidence he’ll need to face the challenges of the 42 Abu Dhabi program. As he continues his AUS studies in tandem with 42 Abu Dhabi, he’ll also have opportunities to work with AUS faculty and graduate students on innovative research and can choose to enhance his learning by studying abroad for up to two semesters. His AUS studies also allow him to take on additional professional internships, and dive into other areas of interests through extracurricular activities.

Before completing the four stages of the 42 Abu Dhabi curriculum, Aman expects to first graduate from AUS in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a program that is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Now in the 42 Abu Dhabi’s program’s foundation stage, Aman is looking forward to gaining industry experience, developing his soft skills, learning to collaborate, and expanding his network, all while continuing his studies at AUS.  

“Programming is something I truly enjoy because it makes my brain tick and teaches me to challenge myself,” said Aman.

Speaking about Aman’s achievements, Dr. Fadi Aloul, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS, said: "Programming is an integral part of the digital transformation process, which is rooted in the fourth industrial revolution. It is students' understanding of the impact of programming on every industry sector that drives them into this field. Our students learn programming throughout their four years of studies in our computer science and engineering undergraduate program, and we are committed to preparing them to meet market needs and play a significant role in finding solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues. Radi's enrollment in 42 Abu Dhabi complements his education as we move to a smarter world that depends on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in all sectors.  I am very happy to see our students getting more involved in this field and making use of the education we offer them."

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at AUS, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.