AUS Student Leadership Program participants Azza Sayed and Adi AlFardan recently completed an intensive six-week leadership and cross-cultural training program at the Global Village for Future Leaders of Business and Industry held at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the US. 

The program offered a diverse learning experience that encompassed interactive courses; networking; meetings and discussions with business leaders; participation in business trips to Washington, DC, and New York City; participation in business consulting projects; and cultural experiences. Participants came from all over the world and now join a global network of more than 1,500 program alumni. 

During the rigorous program, students had to share accommodations and learn and teach each another about their cultures. Fortunately, this year the Global Village overlapped with a few days of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and students from AUS informed the group about Ramadan practices and why Muslims fast. This was a wonderful opportunity to share about Islam and its pillars. 

Sayed, a marketing major, was awarded the title of "Servant Leader," a special award given to interns and/or staff of the Global Village who show exceptional leadership skills and abilities and who prove to be true leaders who help their community. She was among the only six interns who were awarded with this title, which is based on nominations from program guides and fellow interns.

In addition, the UAE team was ranked the "Best Presenting" country and "Best Collaboration" for its presentation on UAE business practices.

"Global Village is not just a six-week program that I attended. It is a lifestyle, a way of thinking which has taught me how to look at things from new perspectives. Through living with 119 interns from 54 different countries, I was able to increase my awareness about other cultures and their business environments, while also educating others about ours. Everything in GV from interns to staff, courses, sessions, business trips and projects allowed me to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and build a huge global network," said Azza Sayed. 

"Students' participation in Global Village goes a long way in developing their individuality and leadership capacity. With the program focusing on leadership, global networking, business knowledge and cultural understanding, students experienced a diverse program that helped them realize the importance of global thinking. Both Azza and Adi came back embracing leadership and with the drive to give back to their communities. The Student Leadership Program will continue to send students to the Global Village, and we encourage other students to take advantage of the many wonderful opportunities and programs SLP offers," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.