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In February 2007 the United States of America launched its first Near East & South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program, and encouraged qualified Omani students from the various colleges and universities in the Sultanate to send their applications. The program sought student leaders from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia to study in the USA and to gain academic and cross-cultural experience. Several students from Dhofar University applied for the scholarship. Among the requirements for applicants were excellent grades, a strong command of the English language, active involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, and leadership qualities. Susan Al Shahri from the College of Commerce and Business Administration at DU, was chosen as one of the successful candidates. Susan, has been one of the most active students at Dhofar University during her four years of study there. She was an active researcher in social issues, a senior editor of the student magazine ‘Lahdha’, an active member in the Cultural Affairs and Theatre Group, and participated every year in the Annual Art Exhibition with her oil paintings. The ambitious 21 year-old also managed to maintain one of the highest GPAs ever scored at Dhofar University.
During his visit to Dhofar University in May 2007, the American Ambassador to the Sultanate, His Excellency Gary Grappo, congratulated her personally on scoring the highest among all applicants in the TOEFL exam, one of the requirements for the scholarship. A few weeks later, Susan received a letter of congratulations from the American Embassy saying she had been accepted into the program. She felt extremely proud to be given the opportunity to represent Oman and Dhofar University in the USA and to help strengthen the already excellent ties between the two countries. |
