IXO Students Explore UAE

Incoming exchange students of Spring 2017 have been busy exploring the UAE in the past month. In our very own city of Sharjah, the 2017 Sharjah Light Festival, where iconic landmarks were adorned in vivid colors accompanied by beautifully composed music, took the students by surprise. They were able to witness art in an Islamic setting and enjoy these installations that were located in various areas of the city, such as Al Majaz Waterfront, the Blue Souk and Al Qasba.

Students were also taken to the region’s first multicultural festival park, Global Village in Dubai, where they enjoyed cultural shows, food and shopping from pavilions set up by 75 different cultures from around the world.

While in Dubai, exchange students and the IXO staff visited the Mirzam Chocolate Factory at Alserkal Avenue to experience the flavors of real cocoa and richness of the only locally made chocolate in UAE. During the visit, they toured the factory and enjoyed brownies and hot chocolate.

Since football is a vital part of the UAE’s popular culture, CIEE coordinator Abubakr Alani arranged for students to attend an Emirati league match between Al Ahli club of Dubai (one of the best teams and the reigning champion) vs. Al Shabab club. Students had kushari, a famous Egyptian dish, prior to the game.

They also took a trip to Al Ain where they enjoyed the hot water springs beneath the Jabel Hafeet mountains followed by some barbeque.

Finally, in mid-March, they had a day-long dhow cruise around the scenic fjord areas of Musandam, Oman, departing from Dibba.

 Chocolate tasting in Mirzam

 Students barbeque at Hot Springs Park, Al Ain

 Students at Dibba, Musandam, Oman

Dr. Hamade returns to IXO

Dr. Mona Hamade, a previous visiting scholar at AUS, returned recently to follow up on her research and discuss her forthcoming book, expected to be released shortly. She came to AUS from Cambridge University, UK, about three years ago to undertake her PhD research focused on Emirati women and entrepreneurship. She has since completed her PhD and has established organization Unity for Global Development in London (www.ugd.org.uk).

IXO congratulates Dr. Hamade on her achievements!

 Dr. Angell and Dr. Hamade at IXO

Dr. Russell Lucas, MSU at IXO

Dr. Russell Lucas, Director, Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities, Michigan State University (MSU) met with Dr. Linda C. Angell, Director of IXO, Dr. Jeniece Lusk, Department of International Studies, and Dr. Rana Raddawi, Department of English, about engaging in survey research. Earlier this year, Dr. Lucas brought to AUS a group of students who are enrolled in Global Studies and Muslim Studies programs at MSU and showed great interest in pursuing the graduate programs here at AUS.

Dr. Russell Lucas

 

International Students Contribute Everywhere

According to a recent paper by the Institute of International Education (February 2017), which can be found at tinyurl.com/lbgml6e, international students in the US contribute significantly to the country financially, academically, socially and innovatively. These contributions hold for incoming international students to the Middle East as well. They help in shaping the UAE’s economy in many ways and influence our students greatly by expanding their perspectives and understanding of the world outside.

Passing of a Dear IXO Friend

The IXO team were very saddened by the recent passing of Ahmad Al-Zuhairy from College of Engineering. Ahmad was planning to study abroad next year, and was engaged to one of our prior incoming exchange students. We express our deepest condolences to his close friends and family.

10 Simple Steps to Study Abroad

Embark on a life-changing journey with these 10 simple steps.

Rainie Grant at the AUSMUN

Incoming exchange student Rainie Grant from Butler University took part in the 10th annual AUS Model United Nations (AUSMUN), and was elected to serve as the President of UNHCR after undergoing several months of moderator training and committee research.

We are proud of Rainie for having taken part in such a prestigious event and wish her success in her future endeavors.

Rainie Grant during AUSMUN