UAE students off to Italy

Sixty-six students from the Higher Colleges of Technology and UAE University embarked on a 10-day adventure to the land of gondolas and legendary artists yesterday as part of a cultural and educational programme.

The trip is part of an Intercultural Project that was launched two years ago between the UAE government universities and the Foundation Antonio Genovesi Salernoi under Italy's Ministry of Education, University and Scientific Research.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is supporting the trips, which started two years ago with two batches of students from Zayed University.
The English language project aims to enhance cultural understanding between the UAE and Italy.

Fifty-six students from the HCT and 10 graduates from UAE University will be representing the UAE.

"The number of applicants from UAE University was about 100. So we decided to allow the graduating students to go on this trip and we will be personally sponsoring and organising a trip just for UAE University students in July," said Benedetta Paravia, the Intercultural Project Coordinator.

The focus was on business and information technology students. They were chosen based on nominations by the deans of each school.

Students will be participating in the anniversary celebrations of Italy's business management institute, the School of Business Management and Organisation (SDOA) — the main operating centre of the foundation.

Making of leaders

"Students will be welcomed by three Italian Ministers during the celebrations. The students will represent the young generation of the UAE," said Paravia.

They will also be attending a seven-day entrepreneurship course that will count as almost three credit hours for the students.

During the course, students will study about business start-ups, how to write business plans and other business-related issues.

"The problem with university students is that once they graduate they are not really well-prepared to meet the needs of the market. They do not really have a clue," said Paravia. "This course supplies the students with the knowledge they need and fills the education gap."

Leadership classes

In addition, students will be required to sit for leadership classes.

"How can you be a leader if you have not travelled or got enough education? These days the young get promoted quickly and by the time they reach leadership positions, they have missed out on a number of issues," she said.

"With the leadership education we offer, students learn about business ethics — how can you be a leader if you do not respect others — and about the meaning of teamwork through group work."

Meeting officials

During the visit students will also get an opportunity to meet up with officials and visit various Italian sites.

"It is important to make the students feel at home. Emma Bonino, Italian Minister of International Trade and honourable member of the European Parliament will come in person to welcome the students," said Paravia.

She said a new class of leaders is created through this project. "It is not only focused on business and money, but also on friendships and social relations," she said.

Course tutors also have a good understanding of the background and traditions students come from. "They are very polite. For example, they know that they should not shake a woman's hand unless she extends her hand first."

"Now we are hoping that more people and organisations will take part and start sponsoring the students," she said.

Students' goals

Students going on the trip will not only be enjoying the famous spaghetti and pasta, but will also get a taste of Italian art and culture.

Financial services student Mohammad Al Zarouni said the trip is a great opportunity to learn about business models in Europe.

"I have studied abroad before and was exposed to different cultures, but for those who have spent their life here in the UAE the trip is a great way to meet people and learn about business," he said.

The final year student said that he has a number of goals that he's hoping to achieve with the trip.

"I want to learn about business practices in Europe and the Middle East, make contacts who will help me one day if I decide to start my own business, and to learn more about the people and culture."

Al Zarouni said that he's planning to take brochures with him about the UAE to give people there an idea about the country.

Optimum results

Jasim Al Ansari from Dubai Men's College said that the project is an opportunity to learn about a different culture and how business is conducted there.

"My goal is to utilise my time on the trip and achieve optimum results. I do not know yet what I will be learning on this journey so I am going to make the best of it," he said.

Al Ansari added that stereotyping exists all around the world. "I think in the end each person is judged by his or her actions," he said.

Another Dubai Men's College student said that he is looking forward to the first-time experience.

"The entrepreneurship course is really effective. The detailed information we got about the course show that anybody about to graduate should be taking it. It's very useful," said Ahmad Al Janahi.

The finance student said the trip is a great way to gain experience and prepare graduates for the future.

The UAE delegation heading to Italy will comprise representatives from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Emirates airline. It will be led by Mirza Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Al Maktoum Foundation.