Students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) are embarking on an enriching journey to explore the vibrant history and culture of Canada. Through an immersive program curated by Ms. Sanaz Sotoudeh, CUD’s resident international concert pianist and lecturer, students are introduced to various facets of Canada’s lifestyle and heritage. This initiative, comprising both in-curriculum classes and extracurricular performances, aims to broaden students’ cultural perspectives and prepare them for future endeavors in Canada.
As part of CUD’s general education curriculum, a dedicated course in Canadian Studies has been established, offering classroom-based lessons that cover an array of topics such as culture, politics, geography, economics, music, and literature. Ms. Sotoudeh emphasizes the significance of teaching students about Canada’s rich history and the diverse fabric of its people.
In addition to classroom instruction, the program incorporates a series of extracurricular activities on campus, providing students with firsthand engagement opportunities with Canadian performers and cultural experts. Mr. Mohammad Lari, Canadian Cultural Diplomacy Officer at the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi, delivered a session on ‘Art Without Borders: Cultural Diplomacy in Action,’ shedding light on how art, literature, and culture contribute to the success of public diplomacy and offer opportunities to showcase Canadian culture in the UAE.
Recently, CUD organized a musical performance titled ‘The Canadian Identity: An Amalgamation of Different Cultures through Music.’ This event, opened by guest speaker Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau, the Consul General of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, featured a piano recital by Mr. Tony Yike Yang, a renowned international pianist considered one of Canada’s finest young musicians. The performance showcased compositions by Chopin, as well as works by Canadian and Chinese composers, including a duet with Ms. Sotoudeh.
Ms. Sotoudeh elaborated on the rationale behind the course and the value of integrating culture into the curriculum, highlighting the importance for students to understand different countries both geopolitically and culturally as they enter a global market. She emphasized that many CUD students go on to pursue further studies and employment in Canada, and the course acts as a complementary component to equip them comprehensively.
Moreover, Ms. Sotoudeh emphasized that cultural education, including music and art, offers students a rich learning experience that enhances their knowledge and understanding of the world. She emphasized that Dubai’s thriving cultural scene inspires future generations to engage, learn, and lead, with the university serving as a partner in this process by providing diverse cultural opportunities to the community.
Yolanada Jessican, a final year Psychology student at CUD, is exploring the option of pursuing higher studies in Canada and acknowledges the invaluable foundation laid by her experiences at the university. As a Sri Lankan student integrating with Canadian culture in Dubai, she finds the exposure to different aspects of Canada and the understanding of its cultural context to be immensely valuable. She also expresses gratitude for the introduction to a new world of music through the campus performances she has attended.
Through its immersive program, Canadian University Dubai is nurturing students’ understanding and appreciation of Canada’s history and culture, preparing them to navigate a global society. By integrating cultural education into the curriculum, CUD aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and cross-cultural competencies for their future endeavors, while also fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for cultural diversity.
