A delegation of undergraduate students from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Syracuse on Sunday for three weeks of classroom instruction and cultural experience, hosted by the Maxwell School. They are studying under the aegis of the UAE University Student Ambassador Program, developed by the UAE Ministry of Education.

The students — all of them women — represent four major UAE universities: Higher Colleges of Technology, Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University. While in Syracuse, they will take classes focused on citizenship and American public affairs, and will visit a variety of cultural sites. The Maxwell School is leading this program, with some inputs from Syracuse University’s iSchool and the School of Architecture.

The University Student Ambassador Program is part of the UAE Ministry of Education’s broader efforts to expand international exposure for Emirati university students and to enhance national citizenship and social responsibility. At Maxwell, the aim is for students to develop an understanding of American governance, culture, diversity and demography, community engagement, and public affairs policy.   

The presence of the UAE students is representative of broader programming undertaken by Syracuse University with UAE in recent years. The University opened a satellite office in Dubai in 2011, which has helped facilitate faculty and education exchanges in the region. In fact, later this summer a delegation of UAE high school students will join more than 600 other domestic and international students in various Summer College for High School Students programs, which provide opportunities to explore artistic, intellectual, and professional passions while experiencing college life.

Maxwell’s Executive Education department is coordinating the UAE program.  For information, contact Daniel Nelson, dhnelson@syr.edu.

06/29/18