The University Welcomes International Student Delegation from France – A Landmark Step Towards Academic Excellence and Global Engagement

The University has welcomed an international student delegation from France, which runs from June 30th to July 11th, 2025, as part of the university’s summer school programme, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards academic leadership and global outreach. The delegation, comprising 15 students from various nationalities and cultures from the Institut Supérieur de Commerce (ISC) Paris, which ranks among the top 100 European universities offering Master’s programmes in management, according to the Financial Times.

This visit marks the first of its kind in the University’s history, with the French students choosing to spend their summer break at ASU due to its distinctive academic environment and growing reputation on both regional and international levels, being one of the top 20 universities in the Gulf region according to the QS World Ranking for 2026.

The initiative highlights the University’s evolution into a globally-oriented academic hub. The presence of European students demonstrates ASU’s capability to expand its international footprint and attract students from across the globe to a diverse and intellectually open learning environment.

The Summer School programme features a rich blend of academic lectures, cultural activities, and field visits to leading economic institutions in the Kingdom, including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Nass Group, and ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard). The itinerary also includes heritage and tourism events that showcase the Kingdom’s vibrant culture and renowned hospitality.

On this occasion, Professor Waheeb Al Khaja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council (HEC) for their unwavering support of Bahraini universities and for providing them with the opportunity to enrich their international partnerships. He further praised their support for the university’s strategic initiatives to attract students from around the world, which contributes to solidifying the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for higher education.

Professor Hatem Masri, the University President, emphasised that hosting the French student delegation forms part of the University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international educational presence, deepen global partnerships, and expand academic and cultural exchange. He noted that the Summer School is designed to provide students with a holistic experience that combines academic learning, cultural immersion, and community engagement, enhancing their global awareness and developing their personal and professional skills.

This initiative reaffirms the University’s commitment to positioning itself as a higher education institution that blends academic distinction with global openness.

Through strategic programmes like the Summer School, the University is contributing to the Kingdom’s role as a destination for international students and creating broader avenues for academic and cultural collaboration with institutions worldwide.

It is worth noting that the students of the College of Administrative Sciences at ASU had a unique opportunity to engage directly with the French student delegation in an environment that blended education with cultural openness. This endeavour is a practical embodiment of the university’s vision in providing a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the confines of the classroom, offering students broader opportunities for learning through participation in international experiences that enhance their thinking and global awareness.

Studying at the ASU is not merely about academic achievement; it is a gateway to discovering multiple cultures, building cross-border relationships, and qualifying students for a professional journey in a world that demands global thinking and extensive connectivity.