News
MIDDLE EASTERN UNIVERSITY GROUP STUDIES INNOVATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH WITH CAT
August 15, 2009From July 16 to August 1, twelve young women from the United Arab Emirates were guests of the Creative Arts Team (CAT) for a whirlwind, two-week living and learning experience. The visitors are current students and recent graduates from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the largest public university in the UAE and surrounding region.
CAT’s unique CATalyst Method© applies the conventions of drama to enliven and reinforce education, communication, youth development, and social change.
The visitors experienced 40 hours of hands-on workshops led by CAT’s senior staff; took in a full, City-wide selection of museum visits, sporting events, and live performances; and, of course, never seemed to have enough time for all of the shopping they were determined to do.
A reception for CUNY “family and friends” on July 29, with many of CAT’s OAA colleagues in attendance, was one of many highlights. The young women, formally attired for the occasion in traditional shaylas (headscarves) and abayas (robes), mingled graciously with the guests. During a short presentation, many spoke movingly of their experiences with CUNY/CAT.
Brian Peterson, SPS Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, concluded the presentation by speaking to the young women about his admiration for them and the pride he takes in the burgeoning partnership between CUNY and UAEU.
This trip represents the second exchange between CUNY/CAT and UAEU. The partnership began last year with a visit to UAEU by the same two teaching artists who were so essential in leading this year’s iteration, Helen Wheelock and Steve Elm, both long-time CAT staffers.
