Dr. Dima Aziz Barakat
Chairperson of the Scientific Council
- Academic and expert in education and training, holding a PhD in Arabic Language and Literature (Modern Literary Studies) from the University of Damascus.
- Over twenty years of experience in higher education, curriculum development, academic program design, and modern teaching and learning strategies.
- Specialized in designing university curricula based on the communicative interactive approach, including Arabic for Specific Purposes and teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. She has also contributed to developing international educational programs and proficiency assessments in collaboration with leading institutions such as Yale University, the University of Texas, the University of Maryland, King Saud University, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and Zayed House for Islamic Culture.
- Certified examiner with ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), specializing in Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), and an expert in implementing American-based educational quality standards, particularly in academic performance assessment and program design.
- Held academic and administrative leadership roles within the American “Flagship Program” for advanced language studies, serving as Resident Director in Syria and contributing to program development in collaboration with the University of Damascus.
- Founder of a pioneering intellectual initiative aimed at advancing the quality of education in Syria and the Arab world by establishing a system of advanced professional qualification aligned with international—particularly American—standards, linking academic education with professional application and enabling institutions to achieve accreditation and sustainable quality.
- Author of books and research in literature, criticism, and teaching methodologies, with a strong focus on modern pedagogical approaches in language education and academic and professional training.
- Participant in numerous regional and international conferences, representing Syria in collaborative research projects, most recently in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture.
- Currently serves as Chair of the American Board in Syria, Vice President of the American Open University, and CEO of Midmak International Academy (Syria | Australia). She is recognized for her vision in advancing education and training according to global standards and for empowering individuals and institutions to build knowledge-based and professional competencies aligned with contemporary demands.