The IDP Roadshow: November 2 in Dubai. November 4 in Abu Dhabi. Rema Menon has more details.
The coming month is packed with international education fairs. The IDP Road Show on November 2 will kickstart the exhibitions for the season.
Admission officials from 23 Australian higher education institutions will be on hand to give information, conduct interviews and offer admission to prospective students.
IDP personnel will also be available to help students.
— The writer is the director of Counselling Point Educational and Social Services
IDP Gulf Road Show
In Dubai
When: November 2, 2006
Where: Dubai Knowledge Village, Conference Centre, Block 1
Time: 5–9pm
In Abu Dhabi
When: November 4, 2006
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Ballroom
Time: 5–9pm
The Group of Eight
Its members are generally considered to be the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Australia. Similar to the Ivy League in the US.
University of Adelaide
Australian National University
University of Melbourne
Monash University
University of New South Wales
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
University of Western Australia
Former students provide tips
They speak to Reema Saffarini from past experience.
The event
The Australian Alumni Network (MEGAA) in the Middle East, UAE chapter, hosted an Iftar recently for alumni members.
MEGAA, UAE chapter has more than 120 alumni. It provides members with employment opportunities in the region, invitations to high-profile government events and social get togethers. For more information: www.megaanetwork.com
Alumni:
Joanne Clarke: To graduate with a masters in communication and multimedia, University of Southern Queesland in 2007.
Hafidh Fairooz: Graduated with a masters in commercial law, University of Melbourne in 2004.
Sohail Tyabji: Graduated with a masters in business administration, Griffith University, 1999.
Anwar Maricar: Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, University of Wollongong, 1998.
Wissam Kamal Al Deen: Bachelor in Computing and Information Systems, Monash University, 1998.
Adam Malouf: Two bachelor degrees —one in commerce and the other in law; University of New South Wales, 2001.
What is the one thing students should know before they go to Australia?
Clarke: Leave your past experiences behind and grab hold of this adventure because it is different.
Fairooz: Relax and enjoy it all.
Tyabji: Quality of education is excellent.
Maricar: Australians are friendly and fun.
Kamal Al Deen: I was born and raised in Australia; people are friendly.
Malouf: You can experience various cultures and customs.
What did you like about it?
Clarke: I was impressed that lecturers can be your mates. You can always challenge them without them getting upset.
Fairooz: The whole experience. The system is different from what we have in the UAE. There is more depth in terms of research and development. You can study IT in the US, but you can study the research around IT in Australia.
Tyabji: The multi-cultural environment.
Maricar: Studies are more organised, good environment, not very crowded.
Kamal Al Deen: Social life is great. You can make a lot of friends. It's a diverse country; people are always ready to help.
Malouf: Small classes.
What did you hate?
Clarke: Learning a language, because there you aren't taught by a native speaker; you get it second hand.
Fairooz: Many students from the UAE go thinking they can buy an apartment to save up on the huge amount of money that would go for rent. However, regulations are different because you cannot buy any property. It is not as flexible as other countries.
Tyabji: The whole experience was nice.
Maricar: Slow life; shops close by 5pm.
Kamal Al Deen: It rains a lot in Melbourne.
Malouf: In terms of IT, some of the universities are not up to speed.
Why should students study there?
Clarke: It is a culturally rich environment. It is safe unlike what the media say and you can be whoever you want to be.
Fairooz: People are very approachable in Australia.
Tyabji: Quality of education is good. You have people from various nationalities.
Maricar: The climate is good, low crime rate and a modern city.
Kamal Al Deen: People respect each other. You can try various cuisines.
Malouf: The degrees are recognised worldwide.
Any advice for students going there?
Clarke: Take full advantage of being in Australia. Keep an open mind and mix with people from other cultures.
Fairooz: Be serious and focused.
Tyabji: Keep an open mind; many think there is a lot of racism and discrimination in Australia, but that's not true.
Maricar: Have fun!
Kamal Al Deen: Have fun; try new things, mingle with people from other cultures.
Malouf: Enjoy yourself, not just the education but also the cultural aspects.
