Get the best out of them

Don't be a passive brochure-collector mindlessly flitting through booths, writes Rema Menon

The British are coming. So are the Americans and the Canadians. We're talking international educations fairs. This month is packed with them and if you are thinking of studying abroad, then you are bound to be busy every week moving from one venue to the next.

But how useful are these exhibitions? And more significantly, how can you make the best use of them?

With each passing year, more and more universities are travelling to the UAE, in recognition, no doubt, of the growing body of students being represented on their campuses.

For a student hoping to go to the US, the UK, Canada, Australia ... education exhibitions save them time and money. They provide them opportunities to meet university representatives face-to-face, check out programmes and benefit from counselling.

It is a far sight better than trawling the net, sending emails to and fro and investing in photo calls and probably a visit to the campus just to check things out.

So exhibitions are good. But the smart student knows that some homework prior to going to the venue will stand him or her in good stead.

Students should also be discerning when it comes to exhibitions and check out who is organising it and the number and quality of universities taking part.

Notes has tried to make it easier for you to do your homework by informing you of the fairs, the universities taking part and the factors to keep in mind before you visit.

Last week, we highlighted the Second Education Show in Sharjah and the IDP Australia fair. This week, we focus on Edukex 2006 and the Canadian Embassy Education Fair.

Watch out in the coming weeks for the Linden Tour - an annual tour of American universities - and Getex 2006 in Abu Dhabi.

Make the most of the exhibition
Jot down all your questions prior to meeting university representatives at the fair. Here are some of things you might want to keep in mind:

Course selection

Type of Institution

Size of institution

Shortlist universities based on your research.
Don't forget to jot down your queries and doubts.
Do not hesitate to ask questions and clarify doubts.
Do your homework, come prepared.

- Points taken from the Guidance Sheet
supplied by the British Council in preparation for
Edukex 2006

Remember ...

Calender of Fairs

Canada
Canadian Embassy
Educational Fair
When: Today, November 5
Time: 6 to 9pm
Where: Dubai Knowledge Village, Conference Centre

USA
Linden Tour
In Dubai
When: November 13
Time: 6 to 9pm
Where: J.W. Marriott Hotel, Dubai

In Abu Dhabi
When: November 14
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Where: Hilton Liwa Ballroom

United Kingdom
Edukex 2006
In Abu Dhabi
Time: November 27
Time: 11am-1pm and 5-9pm
Where: Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Towers

In Dubai
When: November 28 and 29
Time: 5-9pm
Where: Al Murooj Rotana Hotel and Suites

GETEX
Abu Dhabi
When: November 24-26
Where: Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers