Beyond Cross-Cultural Exposure: Empowering Students at AUS with the Language Skills, Cultural Literacy, and Curiosity to Engage with Difference
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational institution of higher education formed on the American liberal arts model. It was founded in 1997 by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and a member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. The university has been offering the Connect Program since 2006.
In April 2021, American University of Sharjah students and faculty spoke with Soliya team members Salma, Nahid, Asma, and Tyler about their virtual exchange experience. The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Jessica March, Director of Achievement Academy Bridge Program, American University of Sharjah
The UAE is a very diverse country, and AUS has been rated as a very diverse campus. But there’s a difference between being in a diverse environment and having to engage directly and deeply with people from diverse backgrounds. Cross-cultural communication is an underestimated skill.
The Bridge Program aims to improve the English language skills of 18-year-olds newly accepted into American University of Sharjah (AUS). Soliya and AUS have a long-standing partnership, and we are thrilled to build on the success of our partnership for over 16 years.
Global competencies are echoed in our institutional values, two of which are 1) providing a transformative student experience, and 2) promoting intellectual inquiry through curiosity and academic adventure -- both were achieved through the Connect Program. I would like to see our participation in virtual exchange grow. Virtual exchange is exposure to prepare students for what to expect from a traditional study abroad or exchange program.
The Connect Program has given us a doorway beyond where we are. It is a very well-scaffolded framework, with a very specific focus on exchange, listening, and responding. The UAE is a very diverse country, and AUS has been rated as a very diverse campus. But there’s a difference between being in a diverse environment and having to engage directly and deeply with people from diverse backgrounds. Cross-cultural communication is an underestimated skill. It's difficult sometimes to express your disagreement, especially with people who are different from you. It is important to offer that learning as a part of higher education.
Our students participated actively in all the Connect Program discussions, which also served as opportunities to practice English language skills in a realistic context. Students were really proud of their language development.
The majority of students were extremely happy with the program in general, too. I observed in one student some changes that are partly related to the Connect Program. He attended a global entrepreneurial event and had no fear. He was communicating with globally successful entrepreneurs, engaging openly, and asking questions. He had confidence in his language skills and engaged maturely. Another student said to me, “I have to tell you, it was a life-changing experience to be a part of the Connect Program.”
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