AUS And Alliance Française Of Sharjah Establish Partnership To Enhance French Language Education

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Alliance Française of Sharjah have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to enhance the learning of the French language, expand the university’s language offerings, and celebrate French and Francophone cultures. The signing ceremony was led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, signed the MoU. Attendees included Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; Sheikha Raad Fahim Al Qasimi, Secretary-General of the International French Association in Sharjah; Stephanie Salha, Director of Institut Français UAE; Charlotte Jade, French Language Counselor at Institut Français UAE; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Français in Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randé, Head of Culture and Communication at Alliance Français in Sharjah.

This collaboration is driven by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). It will enable various activities such as workshops and cultural events while promoting internationally recognised French certifications. The partnership also provides a framework for mutual support in teaching French by hosting Alliance Française staff and students at AUS with access to CAS’ top-notch facilities.

Chancellor Laursen views this partnership as a chance to advance French language learning and enrich students' cultural experiences. This aligns with the university’s dedication to offering students a global perspective. The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing students' understanding of different cultures.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi remarked on the importance of this partnership between two key educational institutions in Sharjah. He stated that "The new partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the collaborative framework between two prominent educational institutions in Sharjah." He emphasised that learning international languages like French is crucial for communication and understanding francophone culture.

As Sharjah aims for a knowledge-based economy, improving French language skills among students and community members opens doors for research opportunities, academic collaborations, and international career prospects. This initiative is seen as vital for fostering educational growth within the region.

The agreement highlights both institutions' commitment to promoting cultural exchange and language education. By working together, they aim to provide enriched learning experiences that benefit both students and the wider community.

With inputs from WAM