From 18-30 January 2020, 29 students from 10 AUA member universities: Chulalongkorn University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, King Saud University, Peking University, Seoul National University, Tsinghua University, United Arab Emirates University, Universiti Malaya, Universitas Indonesia and The University of Tokyo took part in the AUA Asia Deep Dive Program (ADDP) 2020. Hosted by United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the theme of the program was "United Arab Emirates: Past, Present and Future".
The ADDP provides opportunities for students to have an immersive cultural experience in an Asian country, aiming to impart a comprehensive knowledge of Asia's various cultures and societies to students in order to enhance multi-cultural communication and exchange among peers, whilst nurturing students to become empowered global citizens.
The program encouraged students to "learn a lot about this great country like its history, current developments, and great potential for the future", said Miss. Xinyu Zhao, an Arabic Language and Literature major at Peking University. Reflecting on the program, Mr. Jun Min, Economics Major at Seoul National University said, "For two weeks I was able to learn so much, not only in academic terms, but also in terms of cultural diversity, breaking stereotype after stereotype with every encounter with students and participants from across Asia."
Group photo of ADDP 2020 participants at UAEU
The UAEU student leaders brought the two-week program to life. During the program, visiting students and UAEU student leaders took academic classes on UAE's society, economy, innovation, government, culture, heritage, technology and infrastructure, agriculture, sustainability and security. The themes of leadership, tolerance, diversity, and multinational cohesion directed a packed agenda, which also included sporting, artistic, and social activities and tours to important landmarks and institutions in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Presentations and competitions concluded the program, highlighting and celebrating not only what participants had learnt about the rapid and ambitious development of this country, but also about each other.
Participants during a cultural visit to the desert in the evening
The geography spanned by member universities of the AUA includes much of the territory explored by the Muslim Moroccan scholar Ibn Battuta in the 14th Century. The visiting students had a similar experience to Ibn Battuta who remarked that travel "leaves you speechless but then turns you into a storyteller". Toshihiro Ogihara, a medical student at The University of Tokyo said, "I have got to know the UAE and its wonderful people in depth, and every one of you have given me inspiration I will never forget." Thiofanty, a student of International Relations from Universitas Indonesia said, "I was so happy with this program because I learnt a lot. I learnt to walk in the shoes of the Emiratis. I learnt about UAE's history, government, people and cultural heritage." However, for many students the human touch and the Emirati values of hospitality and care for guests made the biggest impact. "I was totally touched by your acts of kindness. Every UAEU volunteer who helped me was so nice and sweet", said Ke Li, Journalism student from Tsinghua University.
Group visit to a mosque in Abu Dhabi
Through student exchanges and short-term study programs, AUA offers an important platform to bring diverse sets of people together to break down cultural barriers through shared academic and cultural experiences. The Asia Deep Dive Program in particular contributes significantly to fostering multicultural friendships among the Asian youth - our next generation of leaders. These deep connections will have a great impact on shaping the future of collaboration and ensuring harmony among societies in Asia and across the world.
