Great Expectations

SAE Institute's campus at Dubai Knowledge Village last week gave prospective students a sneak peek into the institute during a three-hour Open Day. The Australian audio engineering and creative media professional training institution graduates qualified professionals from over 50 campuses worldwide.

The Open Day was held for high school leavers and industry professionals with no formal education in the field, to gain an insight into what to expect when enrolling for a degree at the SAE Institute.

Visitors met tutors and experienced the institute's unique teaching methods by participating in a typical session. It helped them acquire a feel for the study environment and the type of equipment available.

Following an orientation session students were split into groups with the choice of attending a lecture on film, multimedia, animation or audio for the rest of their visit.

Notes spoke to Andrew Frantzis, head of marketing and strategic alliances at the SAE Institute. He told us of their different approach to instruction. "We adopt a practical way of teaching. Students get the chance to grasp every element of their chosen field, gaining hands-on experience of the whole process," said Frantzis.

SAE simulates a real working environment for students in state-of-the-art studios handling high-end equipment - equal to that used in the commercial creative media industry.

"We teach in a real workplace environment, making the transition from university to professional life a smooth one, as students are already prepared and know what to expect, which is a win-win [situation] for both students and employers" he added.

The bachelor degrees are condensed into two years of study and equip graduates with a complete show reel that they can take along to impress potential employers.

"A lady from MTV Arabia recently informed me that our graduates are by far preferred as potential employees over graduates in the same fields from other institutions," said Frantzis.

SAE Institute in Dubai offers diplomas - one year - and bachelor degrees - two years - in audio production, film production, interactive animation and applied multimedia. It also offers a selection of short courses ranging from four days to eight weeks.

The institute is made up of audio studios, media studios and acoustic treated rooms and edit suites accessible to students.

Daniel Sinclair dropped out of an engineering degree in Australia and visited the Open Day to scope out a degree in animation. "They've showed us the software used in the local and regional markets and introduced us to company preferences and practices, telling us what to expect," said Sinclair.

Sonsy Mohan, 20, a university student, was drawn to the Open Day by her interest in applied multimedia and is thinking of pursuing a one-year diploma at the institute.

High school graduate Nowal Al Suweidi, 20, was initially interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in film production and attended the 'boot camp film drill' that took place over the course of two days last month.

However, she changed her mind because "there is so much running around involved", Nowal said. She attended the Open Day in search of something slower and is now leaning towards applied multimedia.

Sahar Bayani, 29, is a computer software engineer and came from Iran in search of a graphic design course. She found the SAE Institute online and with barely any knowledge of English began her diploma last September.

"I have done some graphic design courses in my country, but none of them are like this. Back home we are taught from books and here we get to practise what we learn," said Sahar.

The language barrier did not hinder her learning either. "I've taken English courses in Iran, but not enough to study with. My teacher is so lovely; she doesn't make me feel like it is a problem at all. She is always supporting me in my learning and encouraging me to practise my English to improve& I am very happy in my course," Sahar said, smiling.

Students interested in filmmaking attended a three-hour training session in film, multimedia, animation and audio at the SAE Institute last week