A delegation from Camosun College vists Effat College

The delegation included Paul McGeachie, Vice President of Business Development, Ms.Susan Haddon, Director of College Relations and Development, Dr. James Paulson, International Project Officer, and Ms.Dawn Sutherland, Director. The Zahrat Al-Riyadh Intl. Est. in Riyadh that is under the patronage of Prince Bandar Bin Mohammed Al-Saud arranged this visit.

Ms.Susan Haddon stated that the purpose behind their visit to Saudi Arabia was to perform a feasibility study to explore the possibility of establishing a college for males and females that will be under the affiliation of Camosun College. She further expounded that that they are visiting Effat College to get some information about colleges that are operating in Saudi Arabia. Dr. James Paulson outlined that Camosun College has been in existence for the past 35 years and that it offers students 2-year and 4-year programs in 6 majors.

Effat College Dean, Dr.Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, Effat College Advisory Board Member, Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Vice-Deans, and students welcomed the delegation members. Dr.Haifa gave a brief history about Effat College and outlined that one of the challenges that Effat College faced was enrolling students who were used to attending public universities. Dr. Binzagr outlined, "The future plan of Effat College is to achieve an optimal body of students that can be modeled into community leaders."

Some Effat College students attended this event and gave the delegation members a brief idea about their experiences in Effat College. Ms.Suzan Katamoura, a Computer Science student described how wining the competition for a scholarship in Effat College changed her life and provided her with opportunities for growth .She explained, "One of the advantages of studying in this college was the excellent faculty and their willingness to help students."