AURAK Signs MoU with Konkuk University

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah and Konkuk University, a South Korean institution with its main campus in Seoul, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

As an institute of higher education which values diversity and cultural understanding, the Agreement serves AURAK’s objective of increased internationalization.  While the two universities share a number of programs, ranging from engineering to business administration, Konkuk University have expressed interest in a possible collaboration with AURAK’s biotechnology department.  Dr. Maxime Merheb, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Ms. Heather McGann, Manager of the Department of International Programs at AURAK, are currently in discussion regarding a possible faculty-led biotechnology program to be held at Konkuk University in the summer of 2016.

AURAK president, Prof. Hassan Al Alkim stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Konkuk University as it is one of the leading universities in the region in a number of fields.  This agreement is the result of a joint effort to build bridges of cooperation, and this collaboration in academia and research will bring mutual benefits.”

The Agreement will give AURAK students the opportunity to travel to Korea for study, while AURAK will accept students from Konkuk University.  The collaboration also covers the exchange of faculty and research.

The universities’ respective presidents, Prof. Hassan Al Alkim and Dr. Heeyoung Song, officially signed the document on the January 31, 2016.  This latest development means that AURAK now has 19 international partnerships with institutions across North America, Europe and Asia.

Ms. McGann, explaining the value of this new relationship, stated, “AURAK is particularly keen on this newest partnership as many citizens from South Korea have been moving to Ras Al Khaimah for work since the opening of Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital.  This connection between a South Korean and an Emirati university should further enhance ties between the two countries and their cultures.”