American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Alliance Française of Sharjah have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance 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 AUS. The MoU was signed by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.
The officials 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 Counselor in the Institut Français UAE; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Français, Sharjah; and Lauren Martinez Randé, Head of Culture and Communication, Alliance Français, Sharjah.
The partnership, led by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), will enable a variety of initiatives, including workshops, cultural events, and the promotion of internationally recognized French certifications.
The agreement also creates a framework for mutual support in French language teaching, offering Alliance Française Sharjah staff and students access to CAS’s state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to engage directly in classroom activities.
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.
Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said that, “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.”
