Planning to study in the US? Travelling abroad for university involves more than academics - it involves adapting to a new country, its language and overall culture. Notes spoke to David McNeill, professor at North Carolina State University, during last week's 20th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (Getex) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
McNeill provided 10 tips on how to make studying abroad a successful experience.
1) Learn English: "English is the primary language in the US," he said. "So it's important to learn as much English before you come, or enroll in an English language programme upon arrival." McNeill said that learning English will also make it easier to communicate in the US, which in turn will make all aspects of living in a new culture smoother.
2) Family adjustments: McNeill said that it's not just the student who needs to adapt to a new culture; his or her family will need to adjust too. "Although they may not be living in the new culture, your family will be worried about you in this new environment."
McNeill advised students to always be considerate about their families' concerns by keeping in touch and updating themselves with what's going on in the region.
3) Make friends: "You feel the most at home when you develop friendships," McNeill said. "Know your expectations and have someone to talk to concerning communication gaps to help you understand the differences."
McNeill said that the best way to go about making friends is by joining student groups, clubs, staying in the dormitories or taking part in sports.
4) Live a balanced life: "Eat well, sleep, have fun, get exercise and study," McNeill said. "You may find that study groups are very helpful. Also, make time for your religious life."
McNeill said that students will be most productive and healthy by fulfiling their emotional, spiritual, mental, physical and academic needs.
5) Address culture shock: "Culture shock is the emotional trauma you feel when you're exposed to a new culture," McNeill said.
Loneliness is a natural feeling that forms part of this trauma. "At this point it's important to recognise its existence and deal with it. Re-evaluate your expectations and get support."
6) Help is in the community: According to McNeill, professors will usually understand and help international students. He advised students to locate the international student office, usually part of all campuses, as it provides support to all students coming from abroad.
Getting help from others from your own country can also prove beneficial, as they may share many of your experiences.
7) Be flexible: "I have found that those who are willing to adjust and adapt to situations are the most successful and those who are rigid to their ways struggle," McNeill said.
8) Understand the academic system: "Learn the rules of ethics and integrity in doing your own work," McNeill said. "Familiarise yourself with the process of examinations and writing papers."
9) Share your own culture: "As the world becomes smaller, the better we are at appreciating and understanding one another, the better we will be," said McNeill. He said that by sharing one's culture not only will it enlighten others, but it may also change any misconceptions that exist.
10) Choose the "best" university… for you: McNeill asserted that there is no one university that's perfect for everyone. "Though academics is important, other significant factors exist when selecting your university," he said. "These include the size of the city, the orientation of the university and the support and services it provides to international students."
Opportunities in the media
SAE Institute's School of Audio and Sound Engineering gave several presentations on media careers in the UAE and on studying film during Getex.
Giorgio Ungania, corporate training manager, discussed the changes in the broadcasting industry and the rise of new media. He said: "Our institute trains students in audio engineering, music recording, music production, audio post production, radio broadcasting, podcast production and sound design for film".
According to him, there is a huge demand in the region for animation with Arabic content. Thus in this area opportunities for students are growing.
Ungania also spoke about the options that students have in the music industry.
Imran Khan, media student at Middlesex University, who attended the seminar, said: "I am not sure that there are media opportunities in the UAE, as the media industry here is very nascent compared to other countries."
Heriot-Watt introduces two master's programmes.
The Heriot-Watt University, Dubai campus, announced the launch of two new master's programmes during the exhibition. They are in Urban Real Estate Management and Development and Robotics Challenge Excellence in Learning.
