Fifteen students representing the Student Multicultural Learning Program and AUS Japanese Cultural Club recently attended a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Zayed University, Dubai, organized by the Consulate General of Japan.

The event involved the ceremonial preparation and demonstration of Japanese Green Matcha Tea. A presentation was conducted demonstrating the right way to prepare the Japanese tea, the etiquette exercised, how it should be served to guests and the divine meaning behind it.

Students were amazed by how much respect and precision was exercised during a tea gathering and were able to understand the meaning behind the Japanese customs and distinguish the different rituals in their culture.

"Exposing our students to different cultures in an interactive setting is providing our students with practical knowledge, skills and experiences that augment their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. The Japanese Tea Ceremony reminded our students that discipline mirrors even in the simplest practices in life," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

Abdel Rahman Alaqqad, a member of the Japanese Cultural Club and a senior in civil engineering, said, "The event was a unique experience for us as a club. It gave us insight on how this ceremony is conducted, and how important it is in the Japanese culture."