Second Edition of the CEN Summer School
In collaboration with the AUS International Exchange Office (IXO)
For International Engineering Students | June 7-14, 2026
Welcome to the College of Engineering (CEN) Summer School at the American University of Sharjah (AUS)! A unique opportunity for international university students from all over the world to gain hands-on experience in engineering while exploring the vibrant culture of the UAE.
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The previous edition of the Summer School generated strong global interest, receiving more than 280 applications from students representing 32 countries across five continents. From this highly competitive pool, 18 outstanding international students were selected, bringing together a rich mix of academic backgrounds and perspectives. Participants came from leading institutions worldwide, including Columbia University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Binghamton University, the University of Manchester, Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, the National University of Singapore, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Al Akhawayn University.
Program

The CEN Summer School at AUS offers an interactive learning experience for international university students. With a combination of technical workshops, hands-on lab sessions, field trips, and cultural immersion, students will gain valuable skills and knowledge while engaging with leading experts and local industries.
Key Highlights
- Hands-on workshops covering market readiness skills, AI in education, innovation in technology and engineering, Electric Vehicles and the Future of Mobility, and more
- Entrepreneurial challenge designed to spark creativity and real-world problem solving
- Valuable networking opportunities with fellow participants and industry professionals
- Immersive cultural experiences showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage
- Exclusive visits to leading local industries and iconic landmarks in Sharjah and Dubai
Testimonials
Program Support
AUS provides comprehensive support throughout the program, including access to technical workshops, on-campus accommodation, meals, transportation for visits, and exciting social activities. Our goal is to offer an enriching educational experience while fostering long-term partnerships with the participating universities.
- Technical workshops and lectures
- Meals: Welcome reception, daily breakfast and lunch
- On-campus Accommodation
- Transportation: For visits to local industries and cultural landmarks
- Recognition & awards: entrepreneurial challenge
- Social Activities: Cultural exchange, networking, and more
Schedule
Here’s a glimpse of the exciting schedule we’ve planned. From workshops to cultural tours, each day is packed with learning and exploration.
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Date |
Activities |
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Sunday 7 June 2026 |
Arrival, Check-in, Welcome Reception at AUS |
|
Monday 8 June 2026 |
Keynote Speech, Lab Tour, Workshop on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Visit to Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) |
|
Tuesday 9 June 2026 |
AI-Powered Learning Workshop, Entrepreneurial Challenge: Focus Group Meeting #1, Visit to House of Wisdom |
|
Wednesday 10 June 2026 |
Career Readiness Workshop, Entrepreneurial Challenge: Focus Group Meeting #2, Visit to local industry |
|
Thursday 11 June 2026 |
Managerial Thinking for Engineers Workshop, Cultural Exchange, Entrepreneurial Challenge: Focus Group Meeting #3 |
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Friday 12 June 2026 |
Future Mobility Workshop, Entrepreneurial Challenge Pitch, Closing Ceremony |
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Saturday 13 June 2026 |
Free Day in Dubai (Museum of the Future, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa) |
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Sunday 14 June 2026 |
Check-out and Departure |
Workshops
Each workshop is led by experts in the field of engineering and technology. The workshops cover topics like AI, innovation and entrepreneurship, electric vehicle technology & future of mobility, and career development. Below is a quick overview of the key workshops:
Workshops Overview:
- Workshop 1: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Technology
- Workshop 2: AI for Smarter Learning: Practical Tools & Strategies for University Students
- Workshop 3: From Classroom to Career: A Practical Guide
- Workshop 4: Think Like a Manager, Act Like an Engineer
- Workshop 5: Electric Vehicles and the Future of Mobility
Registration
Important Dates
Ready to join us for an unforgettable summer experience? Register now and be part of this exciting opportunity! The seats are limited.
- Application Opens: 26 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 April 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 1 May 2026
- Program Start Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026 (Arrival, check-in, and welcome reception)
- Program End Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Check-out and departure)
- Workshops and Activities: June 8 – June 12, 2026
Terms and Conditions
Please note that participants are responsible for purchasing their airline tickets and arranging their transportation from the airport to AUS. Additionally, it is the participants’ responsibility to acquire a travel visa to enter the UAE. If a visa is necessary, we can assist by providing an invitation letter once your registration is accepted. However, we are not visa experts and cannot expedite the visa process. We highly recommend registering early and arranging your visa in advance, as processing times may vary depending on your country and individual circumstances.
For more information on UAE visit visas, please refer to the official UAE government website here.
Transportation from the Airport to AUS
If you arrive in Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), you can take a taxi to AUS. The trip takes around 10 minutes. The cost is between 40-55 AED ($10-$15).
If you arrive in Dubai International Airport (DXB), you can take a taxi to AUS. The cost is between 100 and 120 AED ($27-$33). The trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. There are no other convenient modes of direct transportation between the two cities.
Venue
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The College of Engineering Summer School will be held at American University of Sharjah (AUS). AUS has a unique multifaceted campus with a distinctive Islamic architecture and is conveniently located close to airports and tourist attractions. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students who are poised to become the leaders of tomorrow. We offer 32 majors and 46 minors at the undergraduate level, 17 master's degrees programs and five PhD programs.
For directions to the AUS campus, click here.
Sharjah is one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is renowned for its breathtaking landmarks, vibrant shopping malls and traditional souks, pristine beaches, thrilling waterparks and world-class luxury hotels.
For more information on Sharjah, click here.
Contact Us
For any questions or inquiries related to the CEN Summer School, please contact us via email at cen_summerschool@aus.edu