AUS students graduate from Al Maktoum College Academic Training Program 2017 in Scotland

Five alumni from American University of Sharjah (AUS) graduated from the month-long Al Maktoum College of Higher Education Academic Training Program 2017 on February 24.

Forty-seven students from 11 universities namely Cairo University, Qatar University, Kuwait University, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, College of Islamic and Arabic Studies, Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE University and AUS took part in the training program.

The main focus of the Al Maktoum College Academic Training Program (ATP 2017) was to challenge and expand participants' intellectual abilities and provide them with the knowledge and skills required for active leadership for the 21st century. The AUS delegation 2017 consisted of Khulood Al Jaberi, majoring in mechanical engineering; Maryam Jaroor, majoring in civil engineering; Amal Kamber, majoring in finance; Hessah Al Samahi, majoring in mass communication; and Hessa Aljanahi majoring in marketing.

The ceremony was attended by the heads of each of the universities and was officiated by His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

"Graduating and receiving another certificate of completion just after two months of my graduation meant a lot to me; I have accomplished an interesting mission. This program was not only a new experience away from my family and friends, it was an eye-opener as far as new topics and new challenges are concerned. It was a great way to learn new things, be more independent and confident," said Al Samahi.

According to Kamber, "Al Maktoum College Training Program was a prospect that not only provided me with educational benefits but also gave me the chance to broaden my horizons in various areas. The experience and knowledge that I have received from this program was distinct and exceptional, and opportunities such as these do not come around often. I believe that exposing myself to a different environment allowed me to learn and adapt to a new culture as well as gave me the chance to teach others about my own culture, which is something that is so important in today's multicultural world. Building on this, getting to know people from cultures that are so drastically different than my own, taught me the value of looking for similarities and recognizing differences without allowing them to become barriers. Life lessons such as these are ones that can never be taught in a classroom, but rather, are learned through active life experiences."

"This is a wonderful program where students experience leadership development and get a better understanding about cultural diversity. We are very delighted with the outcome and reviews received from students who took part in this program in the past few years and we look forward to future collaboration with Al Maktoum College," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

The Al Maktoum College is held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance and Industry of the United Arab Emirates. While at AUS, the students were a part of the Student Leadership Program.