AURAK Cultivates American Exchange Opportunities

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) Department of International Programs and Partnerships hosted a committee visit for a Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI) delegation to explore possible US partnerships for student exchange programs.

The KEI provides education abroad programs allowing students to complete major-specific and general education requirements, gain practical experience, and enhance their understanding of the world through cultural and social immersion. The KEI Faculty Steering Committee included KEI President and Managing Director, Eduard Mandell, Director of Program Operations, Julie Pollard, and other Steering Committee Members: University of Kentucky Assistant Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Dr. Ghadir Zannoun; University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Associate Professor of History and International Studies, Dr. Edgar Francis; Moravian College Director of International Studies, Christian Sinclair; Augsburg University Assistant Professor, Dr. Maheen Zaman; University of Houston Associate Professor and Program Director of Middle East Studies, Dr. Emran El-Badawi; University of Georgia Professor of Religion and Linguistics, Dr. Adel Amer; University of Wyoming Program Director of Middle East Studies, Eric Nigh; University of Wyoming Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Anthony Ogden; and University of Kentucky Assistant Director of Education Abroad, Mrs. Niamh Minion.

The Committee spent two days at AURAK meeting with President, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Vice President of Student Success and Academic Affairs and Provost, Professor Stephen Wilhite, the Associate Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Denise Gifford, the deans, and various faculty to discuss exchange opportunities and curriculum.  The Committee toured both the University facilities and the city of Ras Al Khaimah and met with the current KEI student attending AURAK.

Professor Hassan is deeply attentive to the continual development of AURAK’s international student exchange program, “In a global economy we need to be able to understand each other.  We have to respect each other and be able to work together.  International student exchange experiences are crucial for students in the acquisition and development of multicultural relationships and traditions essential for successfully expanding across cultural divides.”