Abu Dhabi: Some 19 high-achieving undergraduate students have been welcomed by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)into its sixth class of an intensive enrichment programme for the new academic year 2013-2014.
The Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholars Programme (SMSP) offers selected students from the UAE’s federal universities — UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University a character-building life experience.
During the eight-month intensive programme, students will learn critical thinking, writing, public speaking and leadership skills in addition to gaining cross-cultural experiences in a 10-day trip to New York and Washington, DC.
“The scholars who have graduated from this programme continue to demonstrate their ambition, confidence, and ability,” said Shaikha Mariam Bint Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chair of the programme’s committee.
“The achievements of SMSP alumni, many of whom are pursing master’s degrees, participating in artistic and creative endeavours and pursing professional careers, illustrate the value of this programme,” she added.
During the 10-day trip, students will be visiting major historical and cultural attractions, meet international leaders, and visit important government locations such as the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House.
The eight-month programme is currently open to students in their third and fourth years of their bachelor’s study at one of the three UAE federal universities.
Students will be chosen on the basis of demonstrated intellectual curiosity, creativity, intelligence, leadership capability, self-awareness and enterprise.
“As the scholar programme has developed over the years, we have introduced a wide range of professional development activities for alumni, with the aim to support them as they advance in their academic and professional careers,” said Diane Yu, executive director of SMSP and deputy president of NYU.
“Through workshops and panels on completing graduate school applications, resume counselling, and professional networking activities, we have been able to provide our alumni with the tools and confidence to pursue opportunities through which they can contribute to grow both professionally and personally, Diane Yu added.
Huda Al Abri, an SMSP aumna from the 2010- 2011 class, said: “Beyond critical thinking, the programme established how important it is to never stop learning, and that I should always believe in myself and my abilities.”
Al Abri, whi is currently pursing a Master of Tourism and Cultural Communication degree, has also participated as a UAE representative at international events.
This programme is one of two significant community programmes operated by NYU Abu Dhabi. The other is the NYUAD Summer Academy for recipients of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholarships for Outstanding High School Students, which is open to Abu Dhabi-based high school students entering their 11th year.
