Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah graduates 16 Polish students

This two-week programme, part of an academic partnership, aimed to spread Arabic language knowledge and foster cultural exchange between Sharjah and Poland.

The course, structured across three educational levels, was designed to meet the needs of participants and delivered linguistic skills through daily lessons based on the highest educational standards.

In addition to language instruction, the programme included various cultural and tourism activities, enriching students' experiences and deepening their connection to Sharjah’s vibrant cultural scene. The students visited prominent cultural sites such as the House of Wisdom, the Holy Quran Academy, and attended events at the Sharjah International Book Fair. They also participated in a seminar where they shared their experiences in Sharjah. The group enjoyed scenic tours to Khorfakkan, Al Noor Island, and the Mleiha Desert, which expanded their cultural and linguistic understanding of the emirate.

Sharjah as a cultural bridge

Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of Sharjah's Arabic Language Academy, praised the success of the course, noting that it was not only an opportunity to learn the Arabic language but also a platform for introducing Arab culture and strengthening cultural ties with the Polish students. He emphasised that the course helped establish Sharjah as a global knowledge hub, where each participant would return home with valuable experiences to share with their families and friends in Poland. Dr Al Mosteghanemi highlighted that this initiative aligns with Sharjah’s broader goal of fostering global communication and deepening mutual understanding through cultural exchange.

A unique learning opportunity for Polish students

Dr. Barbara Michalak, Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at Jagielski University, expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for the pioneering initiative. She noted that the Arabic Language Academy has been a key partner in offering Arabic language courses to Polish students since 2023, providing them with the unique opportunity to learn the language in an authentic Arabic environment. This immersive experience, she said, has enabled students to develop their language skills far beyond traditional classroom methods used in Poland. 

Dr. Michalak explained that the students, who specialise in Arabic literature, aim to write their academic theses in Arabic and use their language skills for future careers in various fields. Some students plan to work in Arab embassies in Poland or abroad, while others hope to leverage their Arabic proficiency for business opportunities with the Arab world, thus strengthening cultural and economic ties between Poland and Arab countries. She also mentioned that the students took advantage of their visit to the Sharjah International Book Fair to purchase valuable books that would support their academic research.

Polish students share their experience

Student Viktor, one of the participants, expressed his gratitude for the course, describing it as a valuable opportunity to improve his language skills. He shared that he faced challenges with listening and comprehension but found that the daily practice and immersion in Sharjah helped him overcome these difficulties. “I now have a wealth of useful words and phrases that I will apply to my studies when I return to Poland,” he said.

Another student, Krzysztof, who visited Sharjah for the first time, praised the course and his experience in the emirate. He mentioned that his visit to the Sharjah International Book Fair allowed him to buy an Arabic translation of The Lord of the Rings (film series) as well as several horror novels, which will help him further develop his vocabulary and language skills.

The course marked a significant milestone in strengthening educational and cultural ties between Sharjah and Poland, enriching the participants' language skills and deepening their understanding of Arab culture.