Service Plans Crashed with absence of Cadres: Official
Foreign students could not bring their families to Saudi Arabia because of rules worked out by the ministry of the interior and not by the university, said Mr. Abdur-Rahman Al-Amry, scholarships program director, in an interview with Resalah newspaper.
Resalah: What about your last accomplishment?
Al-Amry: Holding the 5th Inter-people Heritage Fair, a cultural event that was organized by the scholarship department and was prepared by foreign students their way. It was graced with the presence of H.E. Professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Uthman, King Saud University rector; figures and visiting delegations. The figure of visitors hit 15.000 for a three-day event. It was covered by mass media.
Resalah: Do you arrange visits to the foreign students in Saudi Arabia?
Al-Amry: The department arranges two trips a year to foreign students to Saudi cities. In addition, hajj program, Umra (minor pilgrimage) program, and a visit to Medina are organized for recently-admitted students.
Resalah: Do you conduct any program to make students recognize Saudi Arabia customs and traditions?
Al-Amry: Books, documentaries, and pamphlets are issued and handed out to students at the foreign student club. Visits to some local sightseeing were arranged, like King Abdulaziz Centre and the National Cultural Festival.
Resalah: Once a foreign student graduates, no contacts are run between you and him. Why do not you have any contacts with the distinguished at least?
Throughout the past two years, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Bishr, dean of foreign student deanship, gave instructions to communicate not only with the distinguished but also with all of them. An employee is now in charge of managing this assignment. A form is filled in by the foreign student to be in touch with him whoever, whenever he is.
Resalah: The foreign students join the college of arts and education largely. Why?
Al-Amry: It is the student who decides the college to join, if his total marks go in line with the college prerequisites. There is a large number of students who join the applied colleges as well.
Resalah: What are impediments standing against offering better services to students?
Al-Amry: The qualified cadres is the most formidable obstacle. However, the deanship works on ironing out this hindrance.
Resalah: What are your future plans on students?
Al-Amry: Bridging the gap between the foreign students and the Saudi students; making students partake in the strategic planning project; upgrading the standard of services offered; and developing skills of employees in charge of countries from which students come to have country-focused personnel.