University of Nebraska – Kearney is AURAK’s 19th international partner

February 17, 2016,

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) and the University of Nebraska – Kearney (UNK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at AURAK head offices in Ras Al Khaimah.  The MoU allows students of both institutions to study in a different part of the world and experience another culture.  It also allows both universities to develop joint programs that can benefit their students.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Hassan Al Alkim, AURAK President, and the three vice-presidents, Prof. John Ryder, Prof. Claudette William and Mr. Abdullah Shaheen, as well as the Dean of the AURAK School of Business, Professor Abdullah Alhumoud.  Representing UNK were its Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Charlie Bicak, and Assistant Vice Chancellor of International Affairs Mr. Michael Stopford.

Prof. Al Alkim, upon signing the agreement, stated, “We are very pleased with the outcome of the visit.  AURAK students will benefit through this partnership as they will have the chance to study in a wonderful and safe part of the US.  In return, UNK students will have the opportunity to study and learn in Ras Al Khaimah.  While the collaboration will have a Business School focus it will also be a university wide partnership.”

Speaking of the new relationship, Michael Stopford, UNK, commented, “For all of us at the University of Nebraska – Kearney, today’s Agreement with AURAK marks the start of an exciting international partnership.  We are delighted to be joining with this dynamic young institution in the UAE in offering new global opportunities to the students of both institutions.  Today’s students have global horizons in every field.  Our AURAK-UNK collaboration should help them meet their goals.”

The international relationship provides opportunities to students and faculty at both institutions, student and faculty exchange. It is expected that educational and professional exchanges will begin in the 2016 Fall semester.  The MoU will see outgoing AURAK students benefit from UNK’s affordable tuition fees.

With the relationship now official, the two institutions are also working to develop joint programs within their respective Schools of Business.  The possibility of offering a degree in Tourism Management at AURAK, a program already available at UNK, is being discussed.  There are also plans to offer three-plus-two programs, whereby students can earn a bachelor’s degree from one institution, and their master’s degree from the other.