A unique opportunity for UAE students

Students and parents at Global Education fair at Crowne plaza Dubai on Friday. Over 100 universities and boarding schools from more than 11 countries in the largest international education fair in the UAE. Photo by Juidin Bernarrd

As the Global Education Fair returns to the UAE this weekend, students looking to earn their degrees at a prestigious university abroad have the unique opportunity to get face-to-face meetings with officials of some of the best global universities.
"Education is very important for most governments, and this is especially true here in the UAE, which has launched and is going through its Emiratisation policy. Through this, the government is pushing for more Emiratis to enter the workforce and take up senior positions in various sectors. The only way this can be achieved is through education," said Samir Zaveri, president and CEO of BMI, the organisers of the event.
"In addition, we also know that many expatriate students here in the UAE are leaving the country to study abroad in prestigious universities. Their aim is to return to the UAE or even their home countries after getting a degree, to find a job. When students and their parents search for a perfect course or a university that suits them, the only thing they can do is look up the Internet for information or ask their friends and family. This way, it's better for them, by speaking directly to the universities," he added.
The Global Education Fair is taking place in Dubai on October 14-15, and will be held on October 16 in Abu Dhabi. It's one of the largest international education fairs ever held in the emirates. Over 100 universities from around the world are participating, over 60 of them from the US and a further 20 from India. In total, more than 10 countries are being represented at the event, showcasing over 4,000 different courses covering almost every study option available outside the UAE.
Zaveri explained that there are seminars available for students and their parents, where universities will highlight the courses they have on offer. "On the Internet, proper research can take months, but at this fair you, can do it in a day."
Studying overseas at an international school or university is an enriching experience that helps young people attain the best qualifications and improve their employability in the marketplace. Research has shown that students who experience life in another country tend to mature earlier and have stronger social skills; they are also more confident than people without international exposure.
During the Global Education Fairs, students and parents can not only meet admissions counsellors from institutions across the world, they can also speak to former students about their experiences and find out more about the education systems, scholarships and visa procedures for each country.
Parents find the fair particularly useful as they have the opportunity to talk directly to teachers, deans and directors of the institutions their children will potentially be studying in.
rohma@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE

Rohma Sadaqat

rohma@khaleejtimes.com