ADU Students Bridge Cultures Through Exchange Program Trip to Scotland
Three Emirati female students from Abu Dhabi University (ADU) have embarked on an educational trip to Dundee in Scotland after being selected for a four-week exchange program from June to July 2019.
Three Emirati female students from Abu Dhabi University (ADU) have embarked on an educational trip to Dundee in Scotland after being selected for a four-week exchange program from June to July 2019.
As part of the Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education summer school, the program was intended to present students the opportunity to experience different cultures and expand their academic horizons as well as set them up for a successful future in international leadership and managerial positions.
Maryam Alshehhi, Khuloud Alkaabi and Afra Alghaithi have been chosen to take part in the trip and were led by Kellye Blackburn Eccles, Global Employability and Alumni Relations Senior Manager, accompanied by H.E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mr. Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE ambassador to the UK.
Kellye Blackburn Eccles commented, “We strive to provide our students an unparalleled academic experience during their journey at ADU. The Al Maktoum Summer School program is an exceptional program offering students an unmatched opportunity to improve their leadership skills by interacting with like-minded students and faculty from leading universities, allowing them to get firsthand interactions with academic leaders in the UK and Dublin.”
“Through such exchange programs, students are able to grow personally, academically and socially as well as gain a deeper understanding of foreign cultures and build international relationships. We are proud of our students for showing exceptional leadership, teamwork and collaborative skills throughout this trip.” Blackburn added.
The ADU students were among 67 students and chaperones joining from 17 leading universities from across the emirates and the MENA region. During their time in Scotland, the students have actively participated in lectures and workshops in leadership and culture, multiculturalism, Scottish history and politics. The workshops and lectures took place in Dundee and Angus College, St. Andrews College and Trinity College. It focused on expanding student’s intellectual skills, providing them with the knowledge required for active leadership in a multicultural world.
Maryam Al Shehhi: “The Al Maktoum Summer School Program was an outstanding learning experience. We really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Scottish history through academic lectures and cultural visits to castles.”
“I am grateful for the country’s leadership that encourages and enables female empowerment. This program inspired me and the other participants to gain the skills and drive to lead and achieve our ambitions.”
The students made a number of presentations covering a range of topics including multiculturalism and how it affects the UAE, women in leadership and globalization. In honor of their efforts, the teams were awarded certificates of completion in a special ceremony held on the program’s last day.
In addition to having fulfilled their academic pursuit, students also enjoyed a number of excursions to some of Scotland’s most well-known historical locations including Glamis Castle, Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Aviemore Highlands and a special tour of the Irish Parliament in Dublin. Along the way, they met with prominent political figures including Andrew Jackson, British Consul General in Dubai, Patrick Prendergast, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, and Ian Borthwick, Dundee’s Lord Provost.
The students were also welcomed to a dinner at the UAE Embassy in Dublin by the UAE Ambassador to Ireland, Sultan Mohammed Majid Al Ali.