The last batch of students will fly home early tomorrow morning after participating in a five-week program in the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland. The students travelled to institutions in these countries to improve their skills in English, Math and Science.
This program was materialized through a generous grant from H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).
The program, which is part of ADEC’s various activities, was designed to help outstanding students improve their academic and personal experience and skills. It provided them with opportunities to be self-dependent, allowing them to enhance their English, Math, Science, IT and leadership skills as well as closely interact with other cultures and explore various educational opportunities.
Mr. Ahmed Al Shamsi, ADEC’s Director of Special Projects and Community Services, said that “prior to having the students travel, ADEC held orientation sessions for 600 Abu Dhabi school students and arranged for our students to live with host families from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland as part of the program in order to enhance student skills in conversational English. Female students have lived in places dedicated for female accommodation. A total of 60 chaperones accompanying students had also been provided with training to improve their English language skills.
“The program has achieved great success since it has been launched back in 2006. Out of students’ waiting list of over 2000 students, 600 students (480 males and 120 females) were selected to participate in the program this year. From the selected students, 200 students travelled to Australia, 80 students to New Zealand, 80 students to Canada, 40 students to USA and 120 students to Ireland,” he added.
Three ADEC staff members were sent to the USA, Canada and Ireland to visit student accommodations and training centers to ensure all students were doing well.
During the program, chaperones assessed student performances on a weekly basis. Student assessments included: time management, teamwork, interaction with others, self-dependence, discipline, and leadership skills. Academic assessment reports will be sent to ADEC by the institutes where students received their programs one month after program completion. Assessment results will be included in the student’s files.
At the end of the program, students thanked HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous and limitless support in order to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals.
The students have expressed that the program helped them improve their personal skills and widen their experiences. Not only has it given them the chance to be self-independent and shoulder responsibility, but it also allowed them to benefit from the English, IT and leadership skill development courses and explore other cultures. Students reaffirmed that the program will be an incentive that will encourage them to pursue their academic excellence and have successful careers.
Presentations and videos on national heritage and culture were given, while souvenirs reflecting UAE environment and its landmarks were distributed by students to the host families as a gesture of gratitude.
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