Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience in Middle East! Past Review

By (International Relations, University of San Diego) - abroad from 01/10/2011 to 04/30/2011 with

American University in Dubai: Study Abroad in the Middle East

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained some international perspective during the Arab Spring. Met amazing people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically, the program is very easy. Classroom policies are generally very fluid, reading is light, and tests are easy compared to most American universities. The material is compelling but not as much as the discussions - which is where the real perspective comes from.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Peggy was our liason and was the greatest resource possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On campus dorms are rudimentary. Opposite genders are not allowed in dorms. Amenities are not in good repair. Students will need to make their own space feel like home because it does not easily lend itself as such.

* Food:

On campus food is cheap and plentiful. Variety is a little lacking. Hours are somewhat limiting but lots of off-campus options exist late-night.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You will be hard-pressed to find a setting more diverse than AUD. Absolutely incredible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Campus is extremely secure to the point of being somewhat restrictive.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food is cheap. Entertainment is reasonable, depending on what you choose to do. Transportation is more or less free (free public transpo and gas is cheap).

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go to clubs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel opportunities
  • Dr Hamza's classes
* What could be improved?
  • Student orientation
  • Housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Ease of academic schedule means more time for travel. Should take advantage of it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!