Preparing New 'Ambassadors' to U.K.

LEEDS, U.K., November 11, 2009 -- --The countdown is over. More than 120 undergraduates in the College Degree Program for Non-Employees (CDPNE) have just begun university in the United Kingdom. To help them get started in this decisive chapter in their lives, they attended an Orientation Day in Leeds hosted by the U.K. Career Development Department.

The event’s purpose was to give the new students an insight into the U.K. grading system, university life in Britain and what is expected of them. Khalid Al-Safar, head of the U.K. Career Development Office, said, “I hope the orientation evening has excited the students as to what they can accomplish, provided them with the desire to get involved and made them aware that they are not alone. We’re here to support each individual, to enable them to reach their highest academic potential.”

“There is a significant truth to mention here that being successful is hard,” said Badr Al-Rumiah, a third-year CDPNE student. “Don’t let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you.”

“I learned a great deal tonight,” said Abdullah Al-Jaafari, a foundation-year CDPNE student. “After listening to the presentations and advice Badr gave, I feel I’m now ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.”

Fatimah Al-Ali, a second-year student studying chemical engineering at Leeds University, said, “This is my first chance to attend an Aramco orientation evening, and I found it very beneficial. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet the new students who have just arrived in the U.K.”

Aramco Overseas Co. (AOC) Public Relations participated in the event by highlighting the company’s outreach activities.

“We feel this is a great way for the students to establish a connection with the company and with the community in which they live,” said Luai Al-Subaiey, Public Relations supervisor for AOC.

Al-Safar concluded by pointing out, “The students are the new ambassadors of Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia. With the following couple of years determining their careers, we hope they grow and develop to become the world’s future leaders.”

There are more than 500 Saudi Aramco students and employees in educational training throughout the U.K. and Europe.