Becoming Global Citizens

InJanuary2023,athirdcohortofstudentsledbyVicePresidentforStudentAffairs,ChiefAcademicOfficer,andDean oftheSchoolofBusinessMouwafacSidaouitravelledtoAbuDhabiandDubai,UnitedArabEmirates,tomeetwith businessandgovernmentleaders,includingHisExcellencySheikhNahyanBinMubarakAlNahyan,UAEMinisterof Tolerance.TheyspokewithexecutivesfromtheDarAlShariaFinanceCompany,theBuhlerGroup,theDubaiPort Worldandmanyothercorporations,learningaboutinternationalbusinesspracticesandmakingconnectionsacrossthe globe.TheyalsocametounderstandtheworldinnewwaysthroughtripstotheDubaiMuseumoftheFutureandtothe SheikhZayedGrandMosqueandotherculturalexperiences.Threeofthestudentsspoketousabouttheirlife-altering immersioninanotherculture.

Ian Brusewitz ’25

The Academic Global Immersion Program offers an exceptional opportunity for professional development and personal growth. From networking with prominent companies in various sectors to discovering the beauty of Middle Eastern culture, I was exposed to a world beyond the classroom and acquired invaluable knowledge that undoubtedly will benefit my future career—not to mention the incredible Menlo peers I got to know along the way. Seeing the world through the lens of a global citizen, I am more equipped than ever thanks to the enriching experience of joy, knowledge, and development that the AGI Program provides.

Margaux Théol ’23

I initially decided to take the Academic Global Immersion class in Dubai to have an experience to talk about in job interviews, but I didn’t expect it to impact me as much as it did. As a European, my four years at Menlo have enabled me to discover America, but this trip broadened my perspective of the world by introducing me to the Middle East. From the professional visits to the business connections we made, this trip prepared me to take on my career confidently while also adding Dubai into the places I would consider working. I also met incredible people from Menlo College that weren’t in my circle of friends and made lifetime relationships.

Benjamin Fish ’24

Ever since I was a little kid living in Wisconsin, the middle of the United States, I hoped to travel the world. Coming to Menlo to study and then finding myself embarking to Dubai for one of my classes has been a dream come true. It changed my point of view not only from an academic standpoint, but emotionally as well. Now I know the value that global knowledge provides, through the knowledge from professors, businesses, and top executives, but also from the journey itself. Through working with an outstanding student cohort as well as our amazing Dean Sidaoui, the AGI Program has been and will be one of the highlights of my college career.