The two-week orientation programme for the MA in Muslim Cultures took place from September 17 - 29, 2006. Throughout the two weeks, students had an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff of the Institute, become familiar with their surroundings, explore the attractions of London and, perhaps most importantly, get acquainted with the academic aspects of the Master's Programme.
Students became familiar with the academic resources in the vicinity of the Institute including the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Library, the British Library and the British Museum. Tours to local bookstores formed part of this introduction to the academic resources of London.
Students had an opportunity to participate in cultural activities including food tasting, a visit to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a tour of the city and much more.
Yet with all the attractions of London, the students seemed to have been most excited by the academic lectures given by the faculty and visiting faculty of the Institute. Knowing it is just a taste of what is yet to come, the students are keenly looking forward to their two-year Programme.
We bring you some impressions from the students from their first few weeks in London and at the Institute.
The atmosphere has been warm and friendly. Meeting all these people, coming from almost the four corners of the globe, has been a very enchanting experience that holds the promise of mutual enrichment. This diversity and multicultural atmosphere will give me a chance to know more about world cultures. - Belkais Rouached, Tunisia
If I had to describe my experiences to a new student I would say that London has a lot to offer in terms of culture and the vast social activities. It will take some balancing of time on our parts to juggle the expectations of our program and still get all that we can from what London has to offer! I am very excited to be here at AKU-ISMC and looking forward to the two years ahead! - Rozina Mohammad, USA
When I study history, I sometimes think about what would it was like to be present at significant times in world events. Things that come to mind would be Noah sailing his ark, Moses meeting Ramses and so on. Just imagine studying at the Al-Azhar in Cairo during the Fatimid Golden Age or working with Sinan to build the largest dome building in the known world. Imagine being one of the first explorers who discovered America or about the first group of people that landed on the moon.... Well now I can stop thinking about it..... I am here! - Malik Ajani, USA
I came into London feeling nervous about entering ISMC and meeting my fellow colleagues. After my first week, I feel like I have a family in London. I admire the hard work that has been put into the creation of this program, and the first week of orientation has been very smooth. The London tour and the theatre performance was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the country in which we are residing. Kudos to the faculty and staff for a marvellous first week! - Zahra Kazani
In the first week of orientation we hear from Abdou, Moncef, Farid - faculty who have shaped this programme, have high aspirations for us, who promise to guide us, develop us and challenge all of our known beliefs. They challenge us to challenge them. There is much work to be done. Let us begin." - Nina Hirji-Kheraj, UK
I am excited to be back in London as a graduate student, where the facilities are the best in the world. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds and are a very affable group. I'm looking forward to spending the next two years with them, learning from them and sharing with them. I am a little tired, anxious, but mostly excited to get going! - Shelina Jaffer, Canada
…I am honoured and happy to be involved in the ISMC. Reading the brochure and also ISMC's website, I was attracted, as the focus of study it offers is of my interest. What came to my mind at the time was that it would be my opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge on the study of Islam and Muslims with a social sciences approach…The ideas of tolerance and respect for plurality as well as the diversity in terms of religiosity, which ISMC attempts to build, have been my concern for a long time. - Achmad Tohe, Indonesia
An interesting session was the introduction to the Library; Stefan and Waseem seem very supportive, welcoming and down to earth to work with. The talk from the local community police was very educational and informative and very much needed...Excellent arrangements were made for sightseeing tours, with good guides elaborating on history, culture, art, buildings, food and people. The theatre trip to The Globe was superb. - Nadia Rehmani, Pakistan
Before reaching London, I started sketching about the Institute, faculty and my colleagues. After coming to AKU-ISMC, I found that my mental sketch was perfect. When I entered the building of AKU-ISMC I felt nice vibrations from it. I think human intentions can be sensed through the vibrations of the physical environment….I think this journey is exciting as well as challenging…I think a small group of Muslim cultural literate can make a great impact in human society. - Sohail Muhammad Ali, Pakistan
