An academic institution for cross cultural experience [Archives:2008/1118/Culture]
January 7 2008
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For Yemen Times
Because of the need to extend dialogue between Middle East and the rest of the world, the first independent institution for modern Middle Eastern Studies in the region has been established this weekend. After decades of experience in teaching Arabic to foreign students, Yemeni entrepreneur Sabri Saleem worked with various international academic scholars, Yemeni officials and businessmen to create the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES).
“While there is no other independent academic institution in whole Arab world dealing with Middle Eastern issues, I found Mr. Saleem's plan fascinating and I recognize this college as a chance to expand the ties and the understanding between Yemen and the rest of the world,” Dr. Shelagh Weir of University of London and Board-Member at YCMES explained.
With the help of Dr. Steven C. Caton of Harvard University, an curriculum for the one-year Program of Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies has been designed using American and European standards of teaching, and will receive its inaugural class in the fall of this year. Unique to the Middle East, this program will offer courses on the history, politics, culture and economics of the region. .
“This college will be a pioneer in modern Middle Eastern Studies and can diminish the gap between the cultures,” the chairman of the Board Dr. al-Iryani, political Advisor to the President and Former Prime Minister of Yemen, summarized confidently.
Course topics range from religion, gender, development, politics, anthropology, economics, geography, history, literature, arts and science. They are additionally offered each term to reflect what the College considers to be important. A set of more specialized courses is also offered each term, representing a wide range of topics that will vary depending on faculty specialization, as well as student interest.
The faculty is comprised of the world's most distinguished regional specialists, most of whom hold professional appointments in leading universities. Assistant Dean for academic affairs, Professor Caton from Harvard University, has helped with the course structure and standards, and is on the board of advisors.
The YCMES is thought to be a unique institution for higher education in the region because it is founded with the intention of bringing together people from all over the world for advanced study in Yemen. Interested individuals from abroad will get the opportunity to study an intensive program of contemporary Middle Eastern Studies with included Arabic lessons, and Yemenis will receive the opportunity to learn foreign languages at this new institution. Saleem says the institute aims at bridging cultural gaps, and creating a cross cultural academic institution in Yemen.
While the study of the region's pre-history and pre-modern history is often well administered at European and U.S. universities, the study of the contemporary Middle East is often underrepresented at these institutions. To offset this imbalance, the College's curriculum focuses on the study of the contemporary Middle East, with historical courses offered to students who feel the need for such background.
As it is, the director of the institution had already established the Yemeni Language Center in 1989, which educated thousands of non-native speakers in Arabic. In addition to learning Arabic, the students learned about Yemeni and Arab culture, and became change cultural ambassadors in their countries.
YLC attracted and motivated more and more international students to study in Sana'a, which has allowed the Center to expand over its almost 20 year history. The fact that not many Yemenis speak English, made the country an ideal location for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Most past students are very satisfied with more than just the Program. Jessica Tibbets, 22-year-old American student at YLC summarized the atmosphere in Yemen to the point: “The people here are so friendly and hospitable, and really help me to apply the Arabic I have learned in the classroom, as well as teach me other things not covered in my books. I have been to lunches and dinners with families, and iftars during Ramadan, where I felt not like a foreigner, but like a distant cousin. I really feel a part of the larger community here, which has been indispensable to my Arabic and understanding of Yemeni culture.”
However, there are a lot of challenges in the future for YCMES, such as foreign operated universities which have much more financial resources on the one hand, and on the other hand the world's negative perception of Yemen as an unstable country, among other misconceptions.
One of the previous American students at the language center, Sarah, thinks that people in Yemen are generally very nice; she did not hesitate to venture throughout the markets with friends and teachers. “I try to talk to as many people as I can to improve on my language skills. Sadly, I don't have many women friends since they are a little bit more shy and conservative,” she said.
Many students like don't think the Yemen is a dangerous country. She has gone to many places including Manakha, Kamaran Island, Khawkaban.
“That's why it is so important in continuing and advancing what we have started. When they are here, our students are learning our language and our culture. But when they are returning to their home countries, they are ambassadors of Yemen,” Saleem argues with confidence based on past experience and hope for the future of YCMES.
After more than a year of extensive negotiations, the founding meeting of the Board of Advisors took place last weekend amidst excitement and anticipation for a future of understanding and exchange between the Arab world and the West.
Ms. Jamila Ali Rajaa, Advisor to the Foreign Ministry and on the Board of YCMES,
described her thoughts after two days of discussion: “This academic institution carries many potentials for Yemen. I am very glad that we succeeded in laying the foundation for such a college which is unique in the whole region. There are many challenges on our way and we have to start small to make sure that it will work. But step by step while bringing together Yemeni and foreign scholars, it can be the academic bridge between our cultures and may foster the relations and partnerships between Yemeni and Western academics. Our long-term goal is to establish a non-profit university with excellent standards and I am confident that we are on a good way.\”
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