Students from around the world get real-world training experiences in six-month course of studies at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Aramco.
University of Houston student Jennifer Lopez and Colorado School of Mines student Richard Agyemang experience UPDC’s drilling simulator with instruction from James Platt.
Six international college students recently completed a six-month exchange and internship program with Aramco and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
The program involved the students looking into core analysis for oil recovery enhancement, as well as immersing themselves in the city life of Dammam and forging friendships with people from different cultures.
Aramco’s Training and Development collaborated with KFUPM to align the students’ internships with their respective fields of study, providing them with real-world training experiences. Students on the program spent 20 weeks at KFUPM, followed by an eight-week period at Aramco.
Chance for students to ‘immerse themselves in our environment’
Wail S. Abolkhair, director of the Academic Programs and Partnerships (AP&PD), said: “Aramco can further solidify its reputation as a publicly listed, outwardly focused company by providing this tangible experience for students who would otherwise never have the chance to immerse themselves in our work environment and culture.
Ahmad Al-Sahaf, supervisor for the University Internship unit, said the program was beneficial not only for the students but for KFUPM and Aramco as well.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome KFUPM exchange students into our internship program. This represents another valuable outcome of the strategic partnership between Aramco and KFUPM, enabling both organizations to advance key goals through impactful collaborative programs.
“For Aramco, it allows us to extend the reach and exposure of our internship opportunities; and for KFUPM, it helps broaden the global profile of their institution and students.”
— Ahmad Al-Sahaf
International students and exchange and internship program participants pose for a group photo. Back, Ahmad Al-Sahaf, Yui Hin Shi, Hamza H. Fadel, Girma Gelera, Tareq Al-Otaibi, Richard Agyemang, Nicholas Bryan, Dr. Nadir Al-Baghli, Mortadha Al-Matar, and Jeff Schley. Front Row: Jennifer Lopez, Sara Al-Naimi, and Afnan Al-Adwan. (Photos: Mohammed A. Alebn Alshaikh/MPD)
‘This Experience has Expanded my Horizons’
Richard Agyemang, from Colorado School of Mines, was assigned to the EXPEC Advanced Research Center and worked on core analysis. Agyemang said, “This experience has significantly broadened my understanding of the petroleum industry as a whole.”
‘It Helped Create Awareness of the Culture in Saudi Arabia’
Tareq Al-Otaibi, acting manager of University Relations manager, said, “One of the objectives is to help create awareness of the culture of Saudi Arabia while providing a world-class experience at KFUPM and Aramco.”
Jeff Schley, supervisor for University Partnerships, added: “I knew that once these students were exposed to Aramco, KFUPM, and the culture here in the Kingdom, they would experience a variety of wonderful lifelong memories to share with their family, friends, and university colleagues.”
Another cohort of international students will arrive for the program in Saudi Arabia next year, with Samir A. Al-Baiyat, director of the Office of International Cooperation at KFUPM, saying that participants are expected from such universities as Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M, and Lehigh University.
— The Arabian Sun: August 27, 2023