Getex offers a range of opportunities for students

However, many are concerned about how the Arab and Middle Eastern students will be treated in Western countries. This concern springs from the series of incidents involving Arabs — from the attacks of 9/11 to the recent riots in France.

Darcy Rollins from International Education and Youth Advanced Education and Training in Manitoba, Canada, said the Gulf region was a top priority for them. He said: "We believe that the students who come from this region are enthusiastic and we encourage them to study in Canada and to be part of the multi-culturalism in our country."

Rollins said the cost of study in Manitoba was reasonable and would not exceed $6,000 annually, in addition to $7,000 for living expenses. Students could take up part-time jobs to support themselves, he said, adding that this would also expose them to the Canadian way of life.

Around 26 Canadian educational institutions are taking part in Getex, offering a wide range of educational services.

"Canada has always been rated as a high-end education provider in the overseas educational market," said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, IC&E, the organisers of Getex Abu Dhabi.

"Students from around the world, who are looking for high-quality educational options, have Canada near the top of their priority list. With a line-up of prestigious colleges and universities at Getex Abu Dhabi, Canada will be a prominent player at the exhibition, and we are certain that their participation will benefit a large section of the student community and education providers."

Among the highlights of Canada’s strong presence at the exhibition will be the participation of the Government of Manitoba. Globally reputed for its high academic standards, Manitoba offers affordable education in a broad range of disciplines. Manitoba also hosts several institutions offering specialised training to CEOs and managers seeking to develop their organisations.

The Manitoba state hosts institutions with highly qualified faculty and offers excellent classroom and research facilities.

Another major Canadian participant is the Algonquin College, which was rated first in student services among all Ontario colleges. Algonquin College offers a wide range of programmes and courses, and has built a strong reputation as an institution which delivers technology-enabled education and training.

The college, which serves approximately 15,000 full-time students and 25,000 part-time students, recently developed five new diploma programmes and introduced two additional four-year Bachelor’s degree courses. At Getex Abu Dhabi, Algonquin College will showcase its entire portfolio of programmes and courses.

Other prominent universities and colleges representing Canada include the University of Seneca, famed for its applied arts and technology; University of Windsor, known for its liberal arts courses; Fleming College, offering alternative forms of study such as counselling, technical assistance, audio-conference, online tutorials and online library; and Centennial College, which offers a fusion of practical and academic knowledge.

"The CEC Network is pleased to be organising a Canadian Pavilion at the Getex Abu Dhabi. The 26 Canadian institutions at the pavilion are looking forward to meeting with and providing more information to students who are interested in studying in Canada. The extensive participation of the Canadian institutions in the Getex fair will strengthen students' awareness of Canada," said Eugenia Ho, Director, Canadian Education Centre Network, the Canadian Group Coordinator.

Professor Mohammed Al Hiyassat, Dean of the Engineering Faculty at the Hashemite University of Jordan, said they had an agreement with the Emirates College of Technology. As per the agreement, he said, students of Emirates College pursue higher studies at the Hashemite University.

Yousuf Al Nuaimi, Director of Students' Affairs at the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, said Getex was an opportunity for him to provide information to UAE students about the institute and what it offered, including five majors all of which are oil and gas-related.

The Getex will conclude today.