Prof. Muhammad Faour, Vice Chancellor of Dhofar University, welcomed a delegation from the U.S. based organization ‘World Learning for International Development’, who visited the University on December 16th and 17th, 2007 to arrange for an Arabic language course for 60 American students. ‘World Learning for International Development’ is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ‘developing the skills and potential of individuals and institutions in all regions of the world’. The delegation consisted of Dr. Mary Ellen Lane, Executive Manager of the American Board of External Research Centers, Dr. David M. Fenner, Director of the World Learning Oman Center and Mr. Colin Davies. The purpose of their visit was to discuss necessary arrangements for the intensive Arabic program that will be conducted at the Continuing Education Center (CEC) from June to August, 2008 and taught by Dr. Mustapha Tajdin, from the Department of Translation. They also discussed the Peace Scholarship program with Prof. Faour.
During their visit, the delegation met with the Deans of the Colleges and toured around the University. After having examined the program and the study plan for the proposed course, Dr. Fenner said that the first time DU had given a course in Arabic as a foreign language (during early 2007, to a group from the U.K.), it had been such a great success, that it had encouraged them to investigate the possibility of sending students to DU, particularly since it would be held in such a pleasant environment, during the monsoon season, and with the opportunity for the students to become familiar with the local culture. Dr. Tajdin, the course instructor explained that "teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers is very different from teaching English to non-English speakers, because one is usually teaching adults, and also it’s also usually taught for a special purpose.”
The Director of the CEC, Mr. Eltayeb El Feel said that they had prepared a detailed program for the students, not only for their academic activities but also for cultural activities, visits to places of interest, meetings with local people and chances to become familiar with local history. He said also that even social events would be organized well before their arrival, so that the students could expect a full schedule.
Prof. Faour said that the University was working on developing and adding new programs, among them more Arabic immersion courses, which would aid the University in fulfilling its mission to serve society both within Oman and abroad. Cooperating with international organizations such as the World Learning for International Development was an excellent example of how DU and the CEC in particular can reach out and become involved with the international community.