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Gulf Today
15-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
UoS marks graduation of Chinese students
In a vibrant celebration of academic achievement and cross-cultural exchange, the University of Sharjah (UoS) has marked the graduation of the third cohort of Chinese students from its Arabic Language and Culture Programme, part of the Silk Road initiative for the 2024/2025 academic year. This year's programme, organised 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 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 emphasised 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, 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 programme as a model for successful cultural exchange between China and the UAE. 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. WAM
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
UOS celebrates Chinese students' graduation in Arabic prog
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.
Sharjah 24
21-04-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
UOS hosts 29th TESOL International Conference
The conference boasts a dynamic agenda, headlined by globally renowned keynote speakers and featuring spirited panel discussions The conference boasts a dynamic agenda, headlined by globally renowned keynote speakers and featuring spirited panel discussions on critical topics such as educational innovation and curricular reform. Attendees are treated to a rich array of over 200 breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and research presentations, all designed to probe the latest frontiers in language pedagogy. Specialised forums delve into the intersections of artificial intelligence, multilingualism, linguistics, early childhood education, translation, and the teaching of diverse language skills. Complementing the academic program, an expansive exhibition hall showcases cutting-edge educational resources, digital platforms, AI-powered learning tools, and the latest in educational publishing. In his opening remarks, delivered on behalf of Chancellor His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy by Prof. Esam Agamy, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, gratitude was extended to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, for his visionary leadership and steadfast support of the University's initiatives. Prof. Agamy underscored the urgency and relevance of the conference theme, noting that Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally redefining teaching and learning. While the University of Sharjah embraces these technological advances, he also called for thoughtful reflection on the ethical and practical challenges they pose. Prof. Agamy went on to highlight the University's reputation as a regional leader in impactful research and innovation, citing its three major research institutes, numerous centers of excellence, and more than 100 active research groups tackling critical challenges in health, sustainability, and education. He noted the institution's impressive standing in the QS World University Rankings, where it is listed among the UAE's top three universities and ranks sixth in the Arab world. Emphasised the significance of the event Dr. Asmaa Awad, Director of the Language Institute, and conference co-chair, emphasised the significance of the event, stating, 'Today, we are active contributors to a global dialogue that seeks to reimagine language teaching and learning in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The real challenge is not whether to use AI, but how to do so responsibly and humanely.' She highlighted the conference's robust scientific program, which includes more than 200 presentations, workshops, and research discussions, as well as keynote addresses and interactive panels designed to inspire and provoke thoughtful debate. This year, the conference proceedings will be published by Springer, a testament to the event's academic rigor. Dr. Awad added, 'Conferences like this are more than academic gatherings; they are inflection points that remind us language is not just a skill, but a bridge, an identity, and a space for human connection. Let us seize this opportunity not only to explore new learning tools, but to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to our shared mission: empowering learners with the linguistic and cultural competencies they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.' Dr. Christine Coombe, conference co-chair and former president of TESOL International, expressed her honor at co-hosting the event at the University of Sharjah, commenting on the remarkable expansion of TESOL's reach and influence this year. 'Our growing community is a testament to the passion and dedication of professionals like you,' she told attendees. Traced the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, from the advent of deep learning to the rise of neural networks In his address, Dr. Justin Shewell, President of TESOL International and Professor at the University of Arizona, traced the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, from the advent of deep learning to the rise of neural networks. He stressed that while AI offers unprecedented opportunities in language education, it is not a substitute for teachers. Rather, it is a powerful tool that, when thoughtfully integrated, can enrich the learning experience. Dr. Shewell urged educators to embrace these technologies, study their potential and limitations, and develop best practices for their integration to deliver more effective and engaging learning experiences for language students worldwide. The opening ceremony concluded with TESOL International honouring the University of Sharjah and the event's distinguished speakers, marking a fitting start to a conference that promises to shape the future of language education in an era defined by AI.
