Three Bayan students to study in USA this summer

By Bayan Post Staff

Three Bayan College students will be spending part of their summer studying new media and leadership in the USA.

Salwa Sulaiman Al Balushi, Umaima Salim Al Hosni and Kifah Farid Al Shuhaibi were selected by the Embassy of the United States of America to attend the six-week Study of the US Institute for Student Leaders on New Media Program, which is sponsored by the US State Department. The students will study at Washington State University from June 17 - July 23.

“Going to America is like a dream come true,” said Al Shuhaibi, a student in Public Relations. “I hope to learn everything about new media and hopefully when I come back I can share everything I learned.”

The program will teach the students about the USA, give them leadership skills, and they will study major topics in journalism, such as new forms of media like blogging, social networking and digital journalism. The students will also receive hands-on experience in researching, writing, editing and reporting for digital media.

In addition to their classes and training, the participants will visit local sites and do some volunteer work. The program will conclude with a three-day program in Washington DC, the American capital.

Response from the administration and faculty at Bayan College has been very positive. Dean Jassim Jaber, the Heads of Departments and instructors all say the students will benefit greatly from the program.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students. Studying abroad will open their eyes to different cultures and methods of learning. I’m sure the students will return with experience that enrich their education and aid them in their future careers,” said Ms. Sarah MacDonald, media studies lecturer at Bayan College and the supervisor for the students.

The students were thrilled when they received the news.

“I was so excited! I will learn new things that I haven’t studied here. I will get to know international people,” said Al Hosni, whose major is Advertising.

The US Embassy is optimistic about the opportunity, too, and hopes to have further relations with Bayan College.

“Congratulations to you and your students. I look forward to our continued efforts to expand the areas of cooperation between the US Embassy and Bayan College,” said Daniel Pattarini, acting public affairs officer.