We're Getting Ready for the New Year, Are You?

It's a wrap!

Fall 2018 has been a packed semester indeed, and the semester began here in IXO the way we best like to start a semester - an orientation for our incoming exchange students packed with various events. From mixers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi trips, our newcomers are exposed to many aspects of the United Arab Emirates long before their classes and semester officially begins. This Fall, our orientation week included going to must-see malls like Mirdif City Center and the famous Dubai Mall, an outing to an Arabian Wildlife Center, trips to the Blue Souk and Spice Souk for a taste of culture-rich atmospheres as well as day-long trips to the capital, Abu Dhabi. These are only a selection of the many outings our incoming students were able to enjoy this Fall. In addition to events, our student's documents and necessary processes were taken care of with our guiding them at every step, taking from the stress of going through the procedure alone. In their first week here, our students learned an incredible amount about Sharjah and the UAE, and seemed more fascinated and intrigued to learn more each day.

When our eventful orientation week was over, incoming students were excited to begin their interesting courses and lectures. Nevertheless, we always have things planned for them throughout their time here.

On October 13th, we went to Abu Dhabi and hit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the world renowned Louvre Museum and the World Trade Center...

A few days later, we set up a cozy gathering outdoors on our beautiful campus to allow the students to casually seek advice and guidance from our peer advisors, featuring the most important guest of all: Pizza!

A week later, we had an exciting day planned, involving watching a live camel race, visiting Dubai's Miracle Garden and lunch...

Regardless of how busy we at IXO can be and regardless of how busy our students are, we have a culture of always acknowledging when it is someone's birthday...

We are always proud of our study abroad students when they take part of our numerous activities, productions and events here at AUS. This semester, we had a few students successfully obtain roles in the theater productions DNA, Cirkus and Viva Vocale!

And now, we just had ourselves a wonderful week of celebrating Christmas and getting into the holiday spirit - both in the IXO Office and at home with our loved ones. Shortly before that, finals week was submerging everyone at the American University of Sharjah in work, both students and faculty alike. During that intense week, we at IXO still managed to spread a little holiday cheer and have ourselves a Decorate-Your-Own-Gingerbread corner.

Here at IXO, we don't care much for dull moments! We try to make our students have an experience they can never forget, as well as provide them with all the help needed to make their journey as smooth as possible. Every semester holds new and invigorating events; the Spring 2019 semester will be no different. We're already hard at work setting the stage for yet another wonderful semester full of culture, learning and adventure.

Be sure to check in with us, and Happy New Year's.