American students explore Omani cuisine at OTC

MUSCAT: A delegation of students and professors from University of Nebraska- Lincoln (UNL) in the United States visited Oman Tourism College (OTC) and got to participate in a special cooking session together with students and chefs from OTC to learn about Oman’s rich culinary heritage recently.

The group is in Oman for a study tour to learn about Omani culture, traditions, people and food. The students from Nebraska are studying Hospitality & Tourism Management. They will be spending a week in the country visiting attractions and historical sites in Muscat and Nizwa. Oman Tourism College and University of Nebraska – Lincoln signed an MoU in 2016 to facilitate academic collaboration, says a press release.

“The session today was a great chance to bring our students together with students from UNL in a fun and hands-on way. Such activities and exchange programs are a part of our collaboration with UNL to enhance educational opportunities and cultural discoveries at both institutions,” said Dr Abdulkarim Al Mughairi, dean of OTC.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system. Founded in 1869, it is one of America’s most distinguished public universities. Current en- rolment is 25,897 students.

Oman is a priority country for UNL for international engagement. This particular study tour was created by the University to enable American students experience Oman first-hand and to foster people to people relationships. It will be offered every year in collaboration with Omani institutions and the University hopes to attract students from a wide range of disciplines who would be interested in traveling to Oman during their spring break holidays. Since 2013, UNL has hosted Omani students sponsored by the Sultan of Oman’s Scholarship Programme.

Currently, approximately 120 students are studying at the University. The students have formed an Omani student organisation with the goal of helping other UNL students to learn more about Oman and its culture. The first cohort of Omani students will graduate this May and the University is planning to host an alumni event in Muscat later this year.

“We are very grateful to Oman Tourism College for welcoming our group and inviting us to learn about the rich culinary heritage of this country,” commented Prof. Dipra Jha, leader of the delegation from Nebraska. “It was an excellent learning experience for our students and a highlight of this study tour.”