From July 16 to August 1, twelve 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 were 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 beautiful, traditional shaylas (headscarves) and abayas (robes), mingled graciously with the guests.  During a short presentation, many spoke movingly of their experiences learning from and about each other as well as noting increased confidence in themselves, displaying some of the bridges built during their work with CUNY/CAT in New York City.

Brian Peterson, SPS Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, concluded the presentation by speaking directly 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.

Our schedule of cultural events included:

• Gray Lines Bus Tour of NYC
• American Museum of Natural History
• Picnic in Central Park
• Marionette Show & Tour
• In The Heights - Broadway Show
• Tarjama/Translation Exhibition, Queens Museum
• Staten Island Ferry
• Staten Island Yankees v. Coney Island Cyclones
• Tenement Museum @ Lower East Side
• NY Liberty Basketball Game @ MSG
• Native American Museum
• Native American Community House
• Lion King - Broadway Show
  
• Tour of African Burial Ground

Click here to visit Helen's blog about their work in the UAE last October.