Universal Knowledge Solutions and Ohio University conclude Middle East tour

The tour was organized by UKS and aimed at cementing existing relations between Ohio University and some of its Middle East partners, as well as creating new ones. The tour included visits to the Knowledge Village, the Dubai Healthcare City, the British University in Dubai; the Damascus University and the Syrian Virtual University, as well as the Minister of Higher Education in Syria, and visits to the Lebanese University, the Lebanese University of Science and Technology, the Balamand University, and Notre Dame University in Lebanon.

Dr. Thomas Shostak, Dean of Lifelong Learning at Ohio University said about the trip: "We have some existing agreements between our university and some universities in the region. We wanted to explore the possibilities of upgrading those agreements and to enter into new ones that will allow for a fruitful exchange between Ohio University and some of the local universities in the region. We think there is a tremendous opportunity of cooperation especially in the areas of Life Long Learning and e-Learning. Ohio University has developed some of the finest programs in these areas and we look forward to the opportunity of introducing them to the Middle East.

Dr. Josep Rota, Associate Provost for Programs & Director, Center of International Studies at OU, for his part stressed the importance of academic exchanges, both by students and faculty members. He noted that there seems a great deal of misunderstanding which could be overcome through academic exchanges and dialogue." He added that "one way to help reduce the misunderstandings is to establish an Ohio University Middle East Center in the region that can serve as a basis for Ohio University students and faculty to come and study here and for other forms of academic collaboration to be developed and implemented."

Dr. Milad Sebaaly, CEO of UKS, added: "This mission is part of UKS' continuous efforts to bridge the educational gap between Arab and American institutions, and to foster better academic relations. It is very important, at times when political dialogue seems to be at a low level that academic institutions step to the for and bring forward new channels of discourse. Our company recognizes the need for continuing education in order to keep our workforce current and to combat unemployment. We are sure that such joint efforts would contribute towards this end."

Dr. Shostak and Dr. Sebaaly announced that they expect a number of agreements to be signed between Ohio University and a number of local universities, as well as an agreement with UKS for content development for continuing education and e-Learning courseware.