On the occasion of the UN’s International Day of Peace, a seminar entitled Head Start for Higher Studies is being held in Dubai. This seminar that is organised by Couselling Point has been held for eight years consecutively on the International Day of Peace and for the last three years has been supported by the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
At this seminar, experts representing the UAE, UK, USA and Canada will be presenting an overview of studying in their respective countries. Information on course options, entry requirements, student life, research opportunities, scholarship options, internship, financial implications, visa procedures, and all that the student and his/her family needs to know to plan ahead will be shared. The seminar is hosted at the start of the academic cycle so as to prepare students well in advance. Upcoming educational events will also be announced at the event. Students can meet individual experts to clarify doubts or seek information one to one before or after the seminar. There will also be a Q & A session after each presentation. The hand book, “Head Start”, now in its third edition, will be distributed to all attendees.
The experts from academia and industry who will be participating in the seminar are Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of the Dubai International Academic City, Sarah Himmoudi from the British Council, Adele Stevens, Trade Commissioner from the Canadian embassy, Josh Stephens, Director for international development for the US-based Arbor Bridge,a test preparation company for students
Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City, said “This seminar is an important event for Dubai International Academic City as it allows us to interact with prospective students and provide them with the information they need to make an informed choice about their University course selection and future careers. “
Sara Himoudi of the British Council said, “This seminar is one of the leading annual events focusing on education, it provides us with the opportunity to share our experience and meet with future students. “
Josh Stephens of Arbor Bridge said: “It is a sincere pleasure to share insights about American education at such a fantastic event as Head Start for Higher Education. It is an ideal forum for helping students in the UAE understand the incredible educational opportunities offered in the United States and elsewhere. I have long been fascinated by the Gulf region and particularly by Dubai’s rise as a global city. Students who seize educational opportunities overseas will undoubtedly help strengthen the region’s economic and cultural ties to the rest of the world. I cannot think of a more exciting time or place in which to be discussing international education.”
“When you study in Canada, you are assured of a quality education with an international reputation which is why many of the world’s leaders got their education in Canada,” remarked the Canadian trade commissioner Adele Stevens.
At the Head Start seminar, students and families can get an overview of studies in different destinations. It will help them plan, prioritize and craft their own road map to college. ADCB has supported us in our mission and they have sponsored this event for the last three years. I believe that when we study and work in collaboration with people from various parts of the world, we understand various perspectives, socio-cultural norms, political systems and ideologies. This makes us much more accepting, tolerant and understanding. “Head start for higher studies” aspires to spread the message of peace not just on UN’s International day of peace but every single day in every corner of the globe and what better way to do that than by sensitizing our youth and giving them the tools to aid in their career quest?
The writer is the director of Couselling Point Training and Development Centre, a KHDA approved centre for student counselling services
