UOS celebrates Chinese students’ graduation in Arabic prog

Sharjah 24: In a vibrant celebration of academic achievement and cross-cultural exchange, the University of Sharjah has marked the graduation of the third cohort of Chinese students from its Arabic Language and Culture Program, part of the Silk Road initiative for the 2024/2025 academic year. This year’s program, organized by the Language Institute in collaboration with the Office of International Relations, drew participants from Zhejiang Gongshang University and Beijing Language and Culture University; two of China’s leading academic institutions.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, alongside Her Excellency Oubo Qian, Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, Dr. Asmaa Awad, Director of the Language Institute, as well as members of the academic staff and representatives from the Chinese Embassy. Prof. Haik, in his address, praised the Chinese students for their remarkable proficiency in Arabic, describing their success as a testament to the fruitful academic partnership between the University of Sharjah and its Chinese counterparts. He emphasized that such achievements reflect the University’s commitment to advancing Arabic language instruction for non-native speakers and fostering robust scientific and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, Prof. Haik expressed the University’s eagerness to welcome more Chinese students, particularly as the institution expands its academic offerings in public policy, international relations, and political science.

In her turn, Her Excellency Oubo Qian, Consul General of the Chinese Embassy, extended her gratitude to the University of Sharjah for its unwavering dedication and productive collaboration with Chinese educational institutions. She commended the University’s pioneering role in supporting Chinese students and providing a multicultural academic environment, describing the program as a model for successful cultural exchange between China and the UAE. Ms. Qian also voiced her hope for deeper partnerships through future joint academic and training initiatives.

Dr. Asmaa Awad, Director of the Language Institute, highlighted the program’s impressive trajectory since its launch in 2019. She noted that its success has broadened cooperation with numerous Chinese universities and that the curriculum encompasses a diverse array of academic courses, including literature, translation, culture, and heritage. The program, she explained, places a strong emphasis on interactive learning and extracurricular activities, enabling students to develop personally and integrate fully into campus life. Dr. Awad also underscored the collaborative efforts with the Deanships of Student Affairs in organizing a variety of cultural, academic, and recreational events, making the Chinese students’ experience on campus both unique and enriching.

During the ceremony, the graduating students expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the University of Sharjah community for its substantial support in helping them acquire new skills and life experiences. They spoke of their gratitude for studying in a diverse academic setting, which allowed them to enhance their Arabic language abilities, develop effective communication skills under expert guidance, and build friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds.

The event concluded with the honoring of several university departments and faculty members in recognition of their vital contributions to the program’s success, as well as the celebration of the graduating students for their dedication and achievements throughout the course.