The Student Leadership Program at the Office of Student Affairs, American University of Sharjah (AUS), organized an inspirational lecture entitled "The Global Village experience." The lecture was delivered by Adi Al Fardan, a finance major and Azza Sayed, a marketing major who shared their experiences after completing the Global Village program for Future Leaders of Business and Industry held at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the US. The lecture was simple yet inspirational and highlighted the outcomes of the program and how it changed their perspectives on life.  

Both Al Fardan and Sayed agreed that the best part of the Global Village program was the diverse learning experience. Students from all over the world shared accommodation and learned from one another, and were able to better understand cultures, religions and the mindset of diverse individuals. 

Sayed spoke of how students learned from her as much as she learned from them. Many had questions regarding Islam, the hijab and why Muslims fast. Since the Global Village overlapped with a few days of the holy month of Ramadan, it was an opportunity for the two AUS students to explain the rituals of the holy month and this led to some of the student interns fasting with them as they learned the reasons behind observing the fast. In addition to this, both Al Fardan and Sayed cooked traditional Emirati food and shared it with the rest of the students at the end of the program.

Al Fardan explained that despite the cultural exposure the program was rigorous and they had to get up early each morning to attend seminars, courses and work on projects to be presented to the CEOs of major companies. Although, they enjoyed the cultural aspect of it, the program was demanding and did require a lot of work on their part. Nevertheless, there was not a dull moment and the program reshaped the way both students think and both are now thinking strategically and are focusing their energy into producing positive outcomes. 

"The AUS Student Lecture Series is a great way for students to share their insights with their peers. We are happy to know that both students benefited greatly from the Global Village program and we encourage more students to take advantage of the opportunities offered through SLP. I would like to inform students that anyone who has an inspirational story to share with us and is interested in lecturing under the AUS Student Lecture Series, should contact SLP and my team will be more than glad to assist," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. 

Sayed was awarded the "Servant Leader," an 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 this title, which is based on nominations from program guides and fellow interns.