AUS students explore New York City

Forty-three students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) visited New York on a cultural trip recently. Part of the Office of Student Affairs' (OSA) Student Multicultural Learning Program, the student group comprised four nationalities.The visit started with a tour around the city's famous landmarks, from Manhattan's northern-most area, Harlem, to the southern-most point, Battery Park, and continued with a cruise around the Hudson River and the iconic Statue of Liberty.

The students also visited Central Park for a chance to walk along its fountains, monuments, sculptures, bridges and ponds. The group learned about the parks' design and history. After the walking tour, the students visited the Empire State building and stopped by the well-known Rockefeller Center for an opportunity to experience the well-known Top of the Rock Observatory.

The group went to a performance of The Jersey Boys, an award-winning Broadway show. It also toured Radio City Music Hall, one of the greatest showplaces in New York. The stage door tour included visits to the back stage, auditorium, stars' changing rooms and other chambers of the renowned indoor theater.

During the trip, the students also visited the city of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania. Here the students took a tour of the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution Square and Independence Hall. The cultural tour included a visit to the Amish community in Lancaster County. Students enjoyed an authentic and organic Amish meal and explored Amish farms on board the traditional buggies. They saw first-hand the Amish way of living which does not include the benefits of modern technology.

"This was a well-spent spring break for our students," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "I am glad to see how satisfied they are and how they improved their social skills and enhanced their understanding of cultural diversity," she added.

"I found the trip to be very exciting as we explored so many unique places. OSA did an amazing job as the trip was well-organized and the overall environment was friendly. If given the opportunity, I would like to join OSA trips in the future as well as it proved a great experience," said Mohammad Ejaz, a senior management student. Fatima Binashour a sophomore chemical engineering student said: "Being part of the multicultural program for the first time, I was amazed at how well-organized the trip was. I made new friends, learned about another country's culture, and also had a great time during this trip!"

The AUS delegation was headed by Dr. Al Shehhi and accompanied by Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organizations as well as OSA staff supervisors.