AUS, Alliance Française of Sharjah forge new pact

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Alliance Française of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday on the AUS campus. The initiative sought to foster collaboration in areas that promote the learning of the French language, enrich the university’s language offerings, and celebrate French and Francophone cultures.

The ceremony was presided over by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah.

The MoU was signed by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. Present at the ceremony were Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of Department of Government Relations, 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 Counsellor in the Institut Français UAE; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française, Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randé, Head of Culture and Communication, Alliance Française, Sharjah.

Framework for mutual support

The partnership, spearheaded by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), will facilitate a range of activities, including the organisation of workshops and cultural events, and the promotion of internationally recognised French certifications.

It also establishes a framework for mutual support in French teaching, hosting Alliance Française Sharjah staff and students in classrooms with access to CAS’ high-quality facilities.

Sheikha Bodour with Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, during the signing.

Chancellor Laursen considered the partnership an opportunity to promote the learning of the French language and enrich students’ cultural experiences, strengthening the university’s commitment to offering its students a global perspective.

“By collaborating with Alliance Française of Sharjah, we are fostering linguistic and cultural diversity, providing students with the opportunity to engage with French and Francophone cultures while developing valuable language skills. This initiative enhances our students' academic journey and prepares them to succeed in a multicultural, interconnected world,” said Chancellor Laursen.

A gateway to Francophone culture

Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, said: “The new partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the collaborative framework between two prominent educational institutions in Sharjah. In today’s interconnected world, learning international languages, particularly French, serves as a means of communication and a gateway to understanding francophone culture. As Sharjah continues its pursuit of a knowledge-based economy, enhancing French language skills among students and community members unlocks unique opportunities for research, academic collaborations, and international career prospects.

He added: “We look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this MoU in nurturing the learning environment, through courses, workshops, programmes and accredited certificates. It will boost students’ capabilities and help them gain insights into global cultures, and capable of effective communication. We believe that such an impact will reinforce intellectual and cultural engagement and chart a path in which learning languages is complemented by AUS’s robust educational environment.”

Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the event.

Earlier this year, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the achievements of 753 of its graduating students in its Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikha Bodour said that academic and material success were important in life, but that strength of character was the true measure of a person’s worth.

‘Every action you take, whether in your family, your workplace, or your community, will contribute to shaping the world in which you and your children will live,’ she said.

‘Character is about doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult and when there’s no tangible reward... Have the courage to speak up and stand up for what’s right. Congratulations, Class of 2024, your journey is just beginning, and I’m eager to witness your positive impact on the world.’

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognised by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.