AUAF Concludes Spring 2008 Semester
While many Kabulis were enjoying the sun, green grass, and fresh fruit of an Afghan spring, this week AUAF students were in the midst of exams, bringing to a close the Spring 2008 semester at AUAF.
The semester got off to an auspicious start: in January 2008 AUAF’s enrollment climbed dramatically from the previous semester, with over double the number of students registering for classes in the University’s two "core" programs: the Foundation Studies Program and the Undergraduate Program.
Another step towards the future
After months of work, capped by a week of grueling exams, many undergraduate students are now looking forward to learning about their grades and moving to the next challenge. Fazal Ahmad, an undergraduate student from Mazar-e-Sharif said "It was a tough semester for me since I had five courses. I hope I get good grades."
The Foundation Studies Program, which prepares students for the challenging expectations of university degree programs and develops the high-level English language skills necessary to take on major employment positions in Afghanistan or abroad, saw several students graduate with hopes of passing the TOEFL and applying to study for an undergraduate degree.
For those who are admitted, the transition between the programs will mark the start of a new page of their lives. Ferooz Hossaini is a graduate of the Foundation Studies Program. "It was a great preparation course and I see my English [skills] have improved," he said. "Now that the semester is over, I’m waiting for the undergraduate summer courses to start. I think I will get into University Success and Writing Lab courses."
New programs get off the ground
During the last semester, beneficiaries of AUAF’s programs also included major organizations operating in Kabul, including Roshan Telecommunications Company and the Afghan Women Business Federation. They were among the organizations receiving training from AUAF’s Professional Development Institute.
The Professional Development Institute was established in 2007 to meet the training needs of professionals in Afghanistan and the region. It offers an array of high-impact, high-value training courses, workshops and seminars to professionals from the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations.
The recently inaugurated High School English Program was intended to assist high school students of Kabul in improving their English proficiency through daytime classes taught by professional instructors. Approximately 50 students finished their courses last week and received certificates from their teachers and the Founding President of the University, Dr. Sharif Fayez.
Looking forward
On the academic frontier, the AUAF team is working to further develop the University’s curriculum and provide more options for the students. Dr. Moulakis, AUAF Chief Academic Officer says, "There will be great concentration on development in the college of art and science," both in terms of faculty and academic fields of study.
