emirates7 - The American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Alliance Française of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to enhance collaboration in promoting French language learning, broadening the university’s language offerings, and celebrating French and Francophone cultures.
The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. The MoU was formalized by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.
Among the attendees were Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relations in 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 Counselor at Institut Français UAE; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française, Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randé, Head of Culture and Communication at Alliance Française, Sharjah.
Led by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the partnership will support various initiatives, including workshops, cultural events, and the promotion of internationally recognized French language certifications. It will also facilitate mutual collaboration in French language teaching by hosting Alliance Française Sharjah’s staff and students in AUS classrooms, with access to the university’s top-tier facilities.
Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen described the partnership as a valuable opportunity to encourage the learning of the French language while enriching students’ cultural understanding, aligning with AUS’ mission to provide a global educational perspective.
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as a major step forward in enhancing cooperation between two leading educational institutions in Sharjah. He emphasized the importance of learning international languages, particularly French, as a means of communication and a bridge to understanding Francophone culture.
“As Sharjah progresses toward a knowledge-based economy, improving French language proficiency among students and the wider community opens doors to academic research, international collaborations, and global career opportunities,” Sheikh Fahim added.
The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. The MoU was formalized by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.
Among the attendees were Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relations in 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 Counselor at Institut Français UAE; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française, Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randé, Head of Culture and Communication at Alliance Française, Sharjah.
Led by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the partnership will support various initiatives, including workshops, cultural events, and the promotion of internationally recognized French language certifications. It will also facilitate mutual collaboration in French language teaching by hosting Alliance Française Sharjah’s staff and students in AUS classrooms, with access to the university’s top-tier facilities.
Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen described the partnership as a valuable opportunity to encourage the learning of the French language while enriching students’ cultural understanding, aligning with AUS’ mission to provide a global educational perspective.
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as a major step forward in enhancing cooperation between two leading educational institutions in Sharjah. He emphasized the importance of learning international languages, particularly French, as a means of communication and a bridge to understanding Francophone culture.
“As Sharjah progresses toward a knowledge-based economy, improving French language proficiency among students and the wider community opens doors to academic research, international collaborations, and global career opportunities,” Sheikh Fahim added.