Study Diplomacy surrounded by 90 nationalities: SUAD as a gateway to global leadership

"Could I really prepare for a global career without meeting the world first?" Vincent Kollen, a first-year law student at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), wondered before arriving on campus. Surrounded by over 90 nationalities, he soon discovered that the answer was clear: exposure, dialogue, and collaboration are part of daily life here, long before students enter the professional world. At SUAD, the motto “A bridge between civilisations” is not just a slogan, it is woven into lectures, cafeterias, residences, and cultural events across campus. 

Where the world become your classroom

Welcoming such a diverse community is grounded in values of inclusivity. “Our diversity is something we value enormously. Students come from very different backgrounds and learn a lot from each other,” explains Dr Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, representing the academic administration. This vibrancy extends to student life: clubs, cultural events, multicultural group projects, and highlights such as International Day encourage encounters among Emirati, French, African, European, Asian, South American, and other cultures in a spirit of respect and curiosity. 

Vincent, coming from an internationally mobile background (France, England, then the UAE following his parents) discovers a radically different university environment at SUAD. “I have Emirati, Armenian, Moroccan, Algerian, Chinese friends… We learn to think differently, to put ourselves in others’ shoes.” English naturally becomes the common language, but students also support one another in other languages. “Arabic-speaking students practise French with us, and I, in turn, learn Arabic.” Studying French law in this multilingual context is thus a daily lesson in cooperation and adaptability. 

A close-knit campus 

With about 2000 students, SUAD fosters a rare sense of closeness. “It’s like a close-knit community where people quickly get to know each other.” says Vincent. Even though he doesn’t live on campus, he often stays late to play table football or billiards, participate in student clubs events, sports competitions, or simply chat in the central garden with residents. These informal moments contribute fully to campus cohesion, as do cultural celebrations, particularly during UAE National Day, experienced as a collective highlight. “Everyone wore traditional clothing. We were able to discover their culture, exchange ideas, and laugh together” Vincent recalls. 

A multicultural daily life that transforms 

The international faculty plays a central role in shaping students' development. "Their rigour, eloquence, way of thinking and different approaches to teaching inspire us greatly," Vincent explains.  

With world-renowned lecturers from all over the world, students at SUAD are exposed to a rich tapestry of perspectives shaped by international academic and professional backgrounds. This global faculty not only brings expertise from top-ranked universities but also embodies the university's commitment to cross-cultural dialogue, preparing students to tackle complex global challenges.  

Then there are those who feel transformed, like Isa Cruz Alassia Sarmiento, an Argentine student in mathematics and data science: “Coming to SUAD can change a person. Multiculturalism is everywhere here. You can sit at a table where students from five different continents work together, learning not only their disciplines but also languages. If you’re looking for opportunities, this is the place.” Lalia, a master’s student, agrees: “This diversity is a true catalyst for personal development: meeting people from around the world naturally fosters intercultural understanding and adaptability.” 

A school of the world 

Being surrounded by over 90 nationalities profoundly shapes how students envision their futures. “I feel much more confident about pursuing an international career. The UAE is a true cosmopolitan hub”, Vincent shares. Attending the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, for instance, transformed how he perceives global environmental issues. High-level conferences, institutional visits, and meetings with ministers or international experts complement classroom learning, offering young adults concrete ways to understand the world. With its multicultural community and international faculty, SUAD has become a true school of dialogue. One thing is certain: at SUAD, the most universal language remains curiosity.