In Focus | Getex
On foreign shores...
...they fly to earn degrees. Though there is no dearth of quality higher education institutions in the UAE, many students still prefer to study outside the country.
- By Shikha Mishra, Staff Writer
- Published: 00:00 April 11, 2006
...they fly to earn degrees. Though there is no dearth of quality higher education institutions in the UAE, many students still prefer to study outside the country.
Thinking about going abroad to study? Then you won't be the only one bidding farewell to your family at the airport because, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency of the UAE, a majority of the 10,000 students who graduate annually from UAE schools prefer to study outside the country.
In this scenario, it comes as no surprise that a large number of colleges from all over the world are participating in the ongoing Getex.
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director of IC&E, the organisers of Getex, says, "Though local avenues for quality higher education are growing, a high proportion of students still prefer to study in institutions of international repute in countries such as Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, the UK and the US."
Switzerland
The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that between 2000 and 2005, the hotel and tourism industry over the globe has generated a turnover of $7.2 trillion (about Dh26 trillion), and 5.5 million jobs will be created each year until 2010. These figures tie-in with the rising popularity of world-renowned hotel management institutes in Switzerland, which are favoured by those wanting a career in the hospitality industry.
"The UAE definitively has a huge need in terms of hospitality education because of its tremendous development in the tourism sector. For that reason Switzerland is a perfect choice," says Annick Barbezat of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, the only hospitality school to be accredited by the Swiss government.
According to Urs Lustenberger of the Consulate-General, in the UAE, "Each canton in Switzerland has a different education system. The eligibility criteria and visa requirements usually vary, so I would advise students to clarify these details with the college they're applying to."
Canada
"Considering that one year of studies in the US costs about $19,000 (about Dh69,788) for a public institution and $28,000 (about Dh102,847) for a private university; in the UK it is about $32,000 (about Dh117,539) and Australia is $14,000 (about Dh51,423); Canada is an affordable option, since the average cost of one year of studies for an international student including tuition, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, student fees and textbooks is $12,000 (about Dh44,077)," says Simone Jucker, Trade Commissioner, Education and Training, Embassy of Canada.
In 2005, more than 1,500 students from the Gulf went to Canada to study, out of which about 570 were from the UAE.
Applying to an institute in Canada is relatively simple, as most of it is done online through the institutions' websites. Online applications are faster and more efficient than mailing hard copy forms.
"It is important to apply early. Schools in Canada typically begin in early September, and it is normal to apply up to 10 months in advance. Many schools award early acceptances on condition of final educational results. If a student waits for the final results, chances are they will be too late to gain admission to the school," warns Jucker.
Canada is highly recommended for degrees in engineering, business administration and computer science.
United States
Peter Neisuler, Branch Public Affairs Officer, American Consulate-General Dubai, says that between 2004-05, 1,014 students from the UAE studied in the US.
And the key to unlocking the door to an American university? "Needless to say, admissions officers are looking for good grades, but they also want to amass a student body full of interesting people, who have had well-rounded experiences. Just the fact that you're from the UAE would be a point in your favour, because they like to have a diverse and international student body," says Neisuler. Usually students who go to the US to study choose either IT or business administration, but Neisuler encourages students to study the liberal arts, such as philosophy, literature, history, and fine arts, too. "I disagree with people who think these subjects are not ?useful' to getting or succeeding in a job. On the contrary, I think they're fundamental, because they improve the way a person thinks, analyses and solves problems, and understands people. If you haven't learned how to do those things, you're not going to succeed as a manager," says Neisuler.
United Kingdom
As a study destination, the UK remains one of the most popular choices for students from UAE, due to its reputation as an academic world leader, the international recognition of qualifications obtained in the UK, and its cultural diversity. According to British Council figures, the number of students from the UAE completing their higher education in the UK in academic year 2004-'05 was 1,810 - a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.
Jane East, Assistant Education Promotion Manager, British Council, says, "Every year, more than 600,000 people travel to the UK to study English. Shorter, focused courses and globally recognised qualifications mean that UK offers exceptional value for money. It also offers a selection of leading institutions and a dynamic range of courses, representing the strong traditions and the innovation that you find in the UK's education today."
Most UK degree courses take three years to complete and postgraduate master's courses only one year, compared with four years and two years in most other countries.
Australia
As of December 2005, about 900 UAE nationals went to Australia to study, a 40 per cent increase over 2004.
Australia provides the world's most rigorous protection for international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, 2000. This legislation requires institutions that provide education to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education delivery, facilities and services.
The most popular courses for Middle East and Gulf national students are in business administration /management, engineering, IT and health sciences.
Transfer options
A number of foreign universities in Dubai offer students the option of transferring to the main campuses abroad to complete their degrees. These include Canada's University of New Brunswick; UK's Middlesex University and University of Wollongong of Australia.
At the University of New Brunswick (UNB), students can choose to study for one or two years in Dubai after which they can transfer to Canada to campuses in Fredericton and Saint John.
There are no costs involved in the transfer process and UNB assists students in facilitating the visa process, arranging for on-campus/off-campus housing, and travel arrangements.
Middlesex University awards identical honours and masters degrees in its Dubai and London campuses, and gives students the option of transferring between campuses.
Professor Nicholas van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer, University of Wollongong in Dubai, says, "Transferring between campuses is a choice that a college must give to its students. A degree lacks any value unless the students have the option to transfer."
UOWD is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency.
Recognised courses
All of UOWD's programmes are internationally recognised and students who have completed any degree at UOWD may continue their studies at any university, provided they meet the academic entry requirements.
Accreditation by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Research means that graduates of the UOWD may be employed by the public sector in any of the GCC Countries.
The actual papers or subjects that students can transfer, varies. Each university around the world has a schedule of papers or courses that they will give credit for. This varies according to the structure of their degrees and the areas of emphasis.
For example, one university may place significant emphasis on microeconomics in the first year. Other universities that follow a similar approach will recognize the first year paper.
However, if one university places emphasis on microeconomics while another places it on macroeconomics, they may not recognise the paper. Subject to this proviso, universities all over the world recognise the papers taught by UOWD. Additionally, all accredited universities in the UAE have programmes that are transferable.
