Universities

ctgg13 · #1 (**permalink**) 25th June 2008, 05:21 AM

We hope to be in Dubai by the end of July. One of my daughters will need to apply to colleges. Can anyone tell me if it's possible to attend when applying so late in the summer? Do applications need to be received well in advance as is done here in the States?

cairogal · #2 (**permalink**) 25th June 2008, 07:18 PM

Good question! I would say that, no, applications do not need to be received as far in advance as the US. I would say, however, that the quality of university options is very sketchy by American standards. Many higher ed institutions are trying to get their accreditation. I would venture a guess that the American University of Sharjah is her best bet for transferable credits. There are, however, many unis opening up in Dubai's Academic City, and a couple of those universities might be worth looking into. Is she planning to do a 4 year programme in the UAE? Qatar has done a better job of this than the UAE (canegie melon and Texas A&M come to mind...U of Michigan, too, I think).

ctgg13 · #3 (**permalink**) 26th June 2008, 04:26 AM

Thank you for your reply. She will be with us in Dubai for the first semester and then returning to the states to attend college there for the remainder of her 4 yrs.

cairogal · #4 (**permalink**) 26th June 2008, 05:13 AM

I read today that NYU is opening a branch in Abu Dhabi this autumn. Before spending any money, you'll want to be sure that the courses she takes will count for something when she heads back home. If she had any interest in learning another language, she might do just as well to take an intensive course in Arabic...just a thought.

ctgg13 · #5 (**permalink**) 26th June 2008, 05:21 AM

I do appreciate the info. Clearly I have some research to do and fast! Another question, my husbands office is in Sharjah. We're not sure where in Dubai we will be living yet. We are well aware the the commute will be rough, but he'll be traveling ALOT so he doesn't have to worry about a "daily" commute. We're looking at Arabian Ranches or Palm Jumierah. Any thoughts on either? And University options within a reasonable commute? We have a son who will be a junior in H.S. so we are also working on where he will attend.
Again, thanks so much for your replies!
Cara