The University of Arkansas welcomed nine Saudi Arabian students to campus this school year as part of an international education partnership with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation to educate and prepare their employees for jobs within the organization.

The SABIC students started at the U of A this fall as part of the Foundation Year Program, a bridge program through the Graduate School and International Education in collaboration with the College of Engineering and the Spring International Language Center that provides students with intensive English and pre-academic and cultural training. 2022 marks the fifth year of the partnership between the U of A and SABIC since its establishment in 2018, which has seen more than 36 SABIC Foundation Year Program students and 29 academic year program students — those who start as degree-seeking students — participate.

Through the Foundation Year Program, the students will spend 10 months at the U of A before enrolling at a four-year university in the United States for additional study with the goal of earning a bachelor's degree. While at the U of A during the Foundation Year Program, students will take English competency courses offered by the Spring International Language Center, as well as foundational courses in math and science offered by College of Engineering complemented with academic support, life and study skills, and test preparation. In Spring 2023, the U of A welcomed five additional SABIC academic year program students for bachelor's degrees in engineering.

"The ultimate goal is to prepare them for their future academic endeavors here in the United States, as well as their professional career paths they will take with SABIC when they return to Saudi Arabia afterwards," said Namiko Bagirimvano, director of sponsored students and special programs. "We're helping them develop not just as students, but as professionals and leaders."

"Our SABIC Scholarship Program students are the future of our company," said Janel Dumbre, academic advisor and senior analyst with SABIC. "SABIC intentionally chooses to educate its future leaders in the U.S. because of the quality of education, the out-of-class experiences students gain, and the international experience that brings such a rich perspective. Our partnership with the University of Arkansas has allowed for a very welcoming environment for new students."

"When we talk with students about their experiences in Fayetteville, they continually share how comfortable they are living and studying here," Dumbre continued. "This comfort is very important to their overall success in the U.S.  At the end of the Foundation Year program, students move onto their next step with solid English Language Proficiency, a solid STEM foundation and a bag full of memories."

Hussain Naji B Al Abbad, a student in the program, said he likes the "quietness of the university and the organized campus, not to forget the great staff and teachers at the Spring International Language Center."

"Through this experience, I want to know more about the American community and culture," he said. "Also, I want to benefit from the academic side in mathematics, sciences and improve my English."

Another student, Kawther Badhurais, came to the university with several goals in mind — enrolling in courses necessary for his professional success, networking with classmates and professors, and experiencing scenic Northwest Arkansas and all it has to offer.

"I have already achieved many of these goals I expected to accomplish," she said. "All the instructors were highly professional and successfully delivered the knowledge needed to improve my performance and understanding in the courses I took, especially my English level. I adore the campus and the nature of the university, especially the gorgeous trees. Overall, throughout my time at the university, I have enjoyed my whole experience, and I plan to explore it more during my stay here."

For more information on the Sponsored Students and Special Programs office, visit their website.