Exciting education options

The Global Education and Training Exhibition (Getex) has evolved from a student recruitment show to a complete networking forum for the education industry.

A good education is one of the most important tools in a young adult's life, and deciding on a school can be confusing. Thankfully help is at hand.

The Global Education and Training Exhibition (Getex) is the largest education fair in the Middle East as well as Asia. Organised by the International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), the event is currently held at three venues — Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Hyderabad in India.

In the UAE, Getex is held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Education. The fair enjoys the support of Dubai Knowledge Village, the region's biggest ensemble of institutes of higher education, the British Council, Agence EduFrance, the Canadian Consulate, OSEC Business Network Switzerland, the Italian Embassy, the German Academic Exchange Service, Enterprise Ireland, Malta Enterprise and the South African Embassy.

The event was first held in Dubai in 1984 as the 'Gulf Education and Training Exhibition,' focusing on bringing higher education options to students in the Middle East. Having ventured into Abu Dhabi and India, and with more international locations in sight, the event has become a 'Global Education and Training Exhibition' with a strong new segment for education technology.

Over two decades, Getex has evolved from a student recruitment show to a complete networking forum for the education industry. Student recruitment, training, education technology, academic alliances and cultural expression, all find a place in the Getex forum.

"Getex has embraced a range of forums to help visitors achieve academic and career success, by providing global training programmes and human resource development targeted towards HR managers who will address student concerns, academic research and curriculum programmes for higher education; learning technology programmes aimed at learning different types of delivery systems; and management applications for mid-level career professionals," says Anselm Godinho, Managing Director of IC&E.

The Aviation College is a regular participant at Getex. "The exhibition is significant for us as it is an international educational platform that brings external students from across the region which we would like to attract," says Mohammad Al Budoor, Vice Chancellor, Emirates Aviation College - Aerospace and Academic Studies.

Organisers say that Getex has gained more success this year with an 18 per cent growth in the student recruitment segment followed by an escalated increase in the education technology segment. Visitors can expect to obtain complete support from academic and career counsellors who are available to provide career guidance and financial advice for higher education as well as learning opportunities for educational technology. A special 'Meet the gurus' conference will also be held during the event.

Speaking about the previous event, Al Budoor says, "We received excellent feedback from students and parents about the level of information our representatives were able to give visitors in order to decide which courses they should apply for."

Besides meeting the needs of students across the region, Getex has become a strong networking forum cementing international academic alliances with reputable universities. Ireland, Italy, Malta and South Africa are also participating at the exhibition.

"Getex provides synergy between education and profession through the concurrent conferences organised alongside the show as well as ensures continuity and successful ramification on any challenges that might arise from conferences held in the previous years," adds Godinho.

Edutech Middle East, a leading provider of technology-enabled solutions for academic institutions, is also an exhibitor at the event. A. S. F. Karim, Managing Director of Edutech says, "Getex is one of the premium events in the entire region that is focused completely on education, training and related technology. It brings together professionals from both the academic and corporate sectors to exchange views and ideas and learn about the emerging technologies and trends and new product innovations."

Organisers recommend that students come equipped with their academic records in hand along with a well prepared profile, which includes research on topics that interest them. This would help counsellors gauge the fields that students would be good at so as to ensure proper guidance.

The previous edition of Getex in Dubai attracted 438 institutions from 38 countries and was attended by 27,000 visitors, including students, parents, teachers and education professionals. "Getex began in 1984 as an effort to bring higher education to the Middle East. Over the years, it has evolved to become an international exhibition with a strong focus on technology-enabled solutions for education and learning," says Karim.

In today's fast-paced world, students must keep pace with technology. The merging interest of science and technology will also be showcased at the event. Mustafa Zidan of Al Mazroui Medical and Chemical Supplies is a leading developer of laboratory equipment. He says, "Educators must expect new educational tools and adopt the latest teaching technologies."

The event promises to be a healthy mix of different aspects of learning. "It is a good opportunity for students and their parents to learn about the vast number of universities and colleges, all under one roof," says Al Budoor.

Offering advice to visitors attending Getex 2007, Karim says, "Getex is designed to update visitors with the latest and accurate information and technological developments in the field of education and
learning.

"Come with an open mind and be willing to listen to and discover new ideas and concepts."

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