AUS Multicultural Learning Program takes students to Geneva and Paris

Students from American University of Sharjah's (AUS) Student Multicultural Learning Program recently returned from a cultural trip to the European cities of Geneva and Paris. Twenty-eight students representing 11 nationalities went on the May 31-June 7 trip, which was organized by the university's Office of Student Affairs.

Arriving in Geneva for a four-day visit, the students visited the Patek Philip Watch Museum. Known for its high- quality precision watches, the students learned the history of Swiss watch making and how the local watch industry retained its craftsmanship amidst the presence of modern manufacturing practices. The students also saw the European headquarters of the United Nations, World Health Organizations, International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Labor Organization.

The trip also included visits to other parts of Switzerland. The students toured the cheese and chocolate factories in the town of Gruyeres, where they learned about the history and process of Swiss chocolate and cheese making. In Montreux, the students enjoyed the beautiful natural setting with the backdrop of the snow-covered Alps. The tour also included a visit to the Alpine village of Les Diablerets, a village 1,200 meters above sea level and situated at the foot of a rocky massif topped by a glacier. The students ascended to the glacier at 3,000 meters where they enjoyed the snow and rides such as the snow chair lift and the snow bus. They also visited the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Travelling on the TGV high-speed train from Geneva to Paris, the students continued their cultural expedition with a three-day visit to the capital of France. In Paris, the students embarked on a panoramic tour of the city and visited the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The trip ended with an entertaining visit to Disneyland Paris.

"It is very encouraging for us to learn that many nationalities have become increasingly interested in the Multicultural Learning Program. The diversity of our group alone provided a good cultural learning experience between you as peers. I thank all of you for your cooperation during the trip; this is one successful trip that we will all remember. We hope to see you again in our programs and should you have any concerns regarding extracurricular activities, our offices are always open to assist you," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, addressing the students on their way back to the UAE. "I wish to congratulate the graduates who are with us in this trip. I wish them continued success in whatever careers they may pursue and the best of luck in their future endeavors," she added.

"I was with an amazing group of students and a very supportive Student Affairs team with a perfect blend of the cultural places we visited. Geneva and Paris are great cultural learning grounds as I discover the real beauty of both cities. I am really glad that I was given the opportunity to be a part of this, a perfect graduation gift from AUS," said Anam Shahid, a graduating management student.

The AUS delegation was headed by Dr. Al Shehhi and accompanied by Dr. Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organizations; and supervisors Virgilio Mateo Jr. and Raja Subramanya.