Melissa Tomassini Visits AUS

Melissa Tomassini is a Master's student at the University of Siena, Italy. Tomassini's education and training took her to Belgium and the United Kingdom on Erasmus Studies, Italy for her Bachelor's and Master's and even Abu Dhabi for Model United Nations in 2017. In early November, she arrived in the UAE for a two-month stay as a Visiting Guest in-Residence (VGiR). She was hosted within the Department of International Studies (College of Arts & Sciences) by our very own International Studies professor Matteo Salvadore, who is a well-known historian and author in his respective field of study. Constantly seeking achievements as well as travel and cultural understanding, she chose the United Arab Emirates for a two-month period to work on her dissertation researchregarding public diplomacy strategies implemented by the UAE. She also conducted a historical analysis of the country itself and collected numerous data, including in-depth on-site interviews.

Tomassini provided us with the following feedback, reflecting on her thoughts and experiences of the time she spent at AUS and in Sharjah:

  "[The International Exchange Office has] treated me with a lot of affection and I will treasure these memories....[A]s soon as I got to the top-rated and multicultural American University of Sharjah...in the dynamic and magnificent University City, I was clear on what I needed and how to obtain it...[During] my two-month stay in this unique and internationally-recognized educational hub....my research question [was]enriched...by the forward-thinking and cultural vitality undertaken by the Emirate of Sharjah, of which AUS is a proud emblem, with remarkable benefits for the outcome of my work.  Not only has my time at AUS given me a one-of-a-kind chance to familiarize myself with the true Islamic culture...but it has also inspired me to be more welcoming, in line with the great and inclusive Zayed's vision echoed in the [recently] announced Year of Tolerance.  This harmonious coexistence of civilizations is strikingly reflected in the fabric of the University staff and students, which creates an enabling and friendly environment where cross-border dialogue and academic excellence can flourish....Despite my stay being just two months, I now consider the UAE to be my second home."

Furthermore, Tomassini's host, Professor Matteo Salvadore, kindly provided his own take and feedback on her and her work. He states the following:

"Melissa is an enterprising young scholar who turned a short sojourn in the UAE into an opportunity to both conduct quality research and develop meaningful relations in the country. I followed her progress throughout her stay, and I was very impressed with her can-do attitude. At the end of her stay, she gave an excellent talk on her finding, which was well received by both faculty and students,"

  We hope this isn't the last we see of Melissa!

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.

Bianca Visits IXO

Bianca Tardio studied abroad at AUS in Fall 2016 via ISEP from Virginia Commonwealth University. She just graduated in May (with a dual major in Criminal Justice and Finance), and will now she is pursuing her Master's Degree in Finance at the American University in Washington DC. She had really fallen in love with the UAE and was missing her time here, and so for her graduation her mother gave her a trip back for the summer. She just spent a couple of weeks here and had a fantastic time meeting new people, visiting the Frame Building and more. She stopped in for a quick visit to IXO and AUS before heading home. It was lovely to have a chance to catch up with her while she was here and we wish her all the best!

Bianca at IXO

Summer 2018

Orientation Day

In only 6 weeks the summer semester went by with a rush of excitement and activities. Students from different parts of the globe such as Germany, Czech Republic, China, Canada and the United States came to join us at AUS.

The Summer 2018 students came from the following universities: Texas A&M University, University of Nebraska Lincoln, University of British Columbia, Pennsylvania State University, University of Alabama, Simon Fraser University, Masaryk University, Miami University and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC).

Dubai Day out

Shariah Museum of Islamic Civilization 

Iftar at Alfanar

Alhough it might have been the hottest part of the year, students had a great feel of the culture and the language. We had adventurous days and saw parts of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

They were able to see the beautiful month of Ramadan and experience the celebration of Eid in all its culture. Students were able to have yummy iftar at an Emirati house and learn about the different traditions in an Emirati household.

Although the semester was short, we have made some amazing memories. We wish all our exchange students all the best in their future and hope to see you again.

Farewell Dinner

Week Summary

This week has been a whirlwind of outings and visitors!  In addition, we have been welcoming new IXO Team members, in anticipation of having to farewell a number of beloved colleagues at the end of this semester!

The week began with a trip to Oman for the group of CIEE students. They had a great time swimming and hiking! Then IXO participated in the AUS Exploration Day, welcoming potential new students and their parents, and demonstrating the many benefits of study abroad.  




On Tuesday, we hosted a delegation of 14 faculty from the American Chemical Society, touring them around our beautiful campus and facilities. And today we hosted delegates from the University of North Georgia, an ISEP exchange partner.

In addition to all of these activities, we added a couple of new members to our IXO family, i.e. Ms. Nadeen AbdulMajeed and MsSara Omar, both Mass Comm students who will serve as Publicity Specialists, managing our monthly newsletter, and updating and developing our promotional materials. Our long-term team members, Shaza, Leontia, and Tasnim will be graduating at the end of this semester, and another team member, Mariam, will departing for her international exchange this Fall at Louisiana State University via ISEP Exchange.  Our API Regional Director, Ms. Hong Ho, will also be departing the Team at the end of this semester, as she is moving with her family to Ottawa in Canada.  Our long-term IXO Volunteer, Ms. Rose Armour, will be taking her place.  We welcome Nadeen and Sara to the Team, but at the same time we dread saying farewell to Shaza, Leontia, Tasnim, Mariam, and Hong!

Last weekend the Ixo students and some staff went to an Arabic cooking class.This took place at the trendy Hilton Dubai Creek They had 2 starters, one main, and a dessert.The starters include 4 styles of mezza dishes, Tokcapi Chicken as a main, and finished with delicious chocolate fondant. There was some many starters that the group was stuffed! and everyone love the chocolate fondant cake with it's oozing chocolate insides!

 

Welcome, Nadeen!!!

Given that we are losing all three of our Publicity Specialists (I'm including Shaza in that description) at the end of this semester (NO!!!), I wanted to let you know I have just hired Nadine Abdul Majeed, a MassComm major, to join the team.