• MATESOL student Sebah Al-Ali presented her research entitled Understanding Uses and Attitudes of Web 2.0 at the 16th International TESOL Arabia Conference, March 11- 13. Her co-presenter was Dr. Cindy Gunn.
• MATESOL Alumni, Sendeyya Al Naqbi, presented her MATESOL Thesis research entitled, Students’ Preference and Oral Corrective Feedback, at the 16th International TESOL Arabia Conference, March 11- 13.
• Omayyah Al Shahab (Alumnus S 07) has completed an M.A. at the University of Bristol and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Leicester, preparing her dissertation on Charles Dickens.
• Abeer Fahim (Alumnus S 05) is finishing her Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Durham.
• Arina Gidwani (Alumnus S 08)  is a second year law student at the University of Michigan.
• Nausheen Shafiq (Alumnus S 05) received an M.A. from the University of Nottingham and is currently a teaching supervisor in Sharjah.
• Ayla Qadeer (Alumnus S06) received an M.A. from the University of Chicago.
• Lamiyah Bahrainwala (Alumnus S 08) has been accepted into M.A. programs at Michigan State University and Wayne State University, but has not yet decided which to attend.
• Mouna al Kahla (Alumnus F05) is graduate student in the MATESOL program at AUS.
• Sarah al Shammari (Alumnus S 08) graduate student in the MATESOL program at AUS.
• Marwa Abu Al Soud  (Alumnus S 05) has been employed in the region in marketing and is applying to graduate schools in the U.K.  
    

I'm proud to be a graduate of the American University of Sharjah with a BA in English Language. The education I received was both stimulating and challenging. The best testament I can give about the value of my AUS degree is that I have been accepted to five graduate schools in the United States- Columbia University, New York University, Minnesota State University, Central Washington University, and the University of Alabama. Three of the five have offered me a full scholarship and a position as a teaching assistant. I'm planning to pursue a MA in TESOL, and the professors at AUS were excellent role models. They were knowledgeable and always available to help me during and outside of their office hours.

Sarah Carol Kassas,

2010 AUS Alumnus

My English courses at AUS have given me the spirit of being a “Global Citizen” to the world that we live in. I never expected myself to be able to speak fluently to anyone I want in the world. I never expected to be able to write letters and send emails to people from different countries all over the world. I never expected to be able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and see those becoming friends, and maybe close friends to me for the rest of my life. My English courses at AUS made the impossible become very possible to me! It was not an easy job for an Arab grown up individual like me to become an English fluent speaker and a good English writer in his life path. My English courses at AUS were the best assets to build up my future the way I wanted it. I thank our great English Department for the huge and lovely efforts they have made ".

Yazan Jamous,

2009 AUS Alumnus

“As a graduate of English Literature, I had chosen the course because of my interests in reading and writing. I was exposed to variety of literature, predominantly classified as American or British. I thoroughly enjoyed my creative writing classes as it allowed us to flex our creativity and improve our writing skills through our peer review workshops. It gave us an understanding of the power of prose and poetry over the defining characteristics of a culture, a nation's or a people's identity and history. However, I felt that a large amount of my time as English literature concentrations was taken up by Language courses we were required to take such as Basic English Grammar. I thought this could have been put to better use studying a broader variety of International Literature and genres.

Vladimir S. Fermazi,

2009 AUS Alumnus

“Studying at AUS has opened unexpected doors of opportunities after my graduation. I still recall the time when I first joined the English department at AUS and all the people I knew tried to convince me to change my major. My friends believed that obtaining a BA in English Language and Literature will never grant me the career I want. However, and after four years of hard work, proudly I say they were wrong! I joined the Chancellor’s Office- Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at the American University of Sharjah immediately after my graduation where I work as Alumni Coordinator. My duty necessitates me to communicate with administrators, professors, alumni, students and others on daily basis which requires a huge amount of good spoken/written communication skills.  I wouldn’t have done that without the help of my English and Translation professors at AUS. I’m really grateful to them!”

Dana Abu Aisha

2007 AUS Alumnus

“Literature classes went beyond cultivating a sense of aesthetics, beyond that appreciation for fine writing or skillful mastery of language or enriching the imagination. The courses were also designed to develop students into academically well-rounded individuals by drawing on knowledge from history, psychology, media, language, and politics.

 But the most valuable skill taught in English literature is the ability to think. We were not simply fed theory or given specific technical skills to excel at a future job. Rather we were taught to think critically, creatively, and independently—a skill greatly needed both to become autonomous individuals and as a basis for most careers. The English literature professors were not only enthusiastic and inspired by the material they taught, but they also eventually became valued mentors and firm friends many years later. "

Deena K. Hussein,

AUS Alumnus

Instructor,

Mass Communication Department

American University of Sharjah