Checklist for international students heading to UAE
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Embarking on a new adventure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? As an international student, moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to prepare meticulously. This checklist for international students heading to UAE will guide you through the essential steps to make your move as seamless as possible.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) shares its borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. It is a federation of seven Emirates - Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. The capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two most popular emirates in UAE. The official religion of UAE is Islam while Arabic is the official language in the country. In UAE, Dubai is the most populous with commercial and financial centres attracting international students from all across the globe.
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Check out the top tips and advices you need before heading to UAE for your life-changing study abroad experience.
Clothes to pack
If you are used to Indian plains, climatic conditions in UAE should not be much of a challenge for you. In October, the weather in UAE is still warm and sunny with clear blue skies. The temperature is usually hot and may reach up to 35° C. The winter months of November to February are the most popular tourist season in UAE with daytime temperatures around 24°C and cool evenings when the temperature dips to about 13°C in the coastal areas and as low as 5 °C in the interiors.
UAE does receive heavy downpours in winter sometimes but only for a short duration. Winters are very dry. Temperatures rise to hover around 30°from March to May. June to September is the hottest season in UAE with 100% humidity and temperature in 40° in the coastal areas. This is the reason, why most public transport facilities and buildings in UAE are air-conditioned. In the desert region inland, humidity is much lower.
Warm clothes for winters and cool cotton clothes with a wrap or jacket for summers should do the trick. Though the dress code is casual in UAE, it is advisable not to take along revealing clothes such as shorts, bikinis, swimsuits, or revealing tops. Women should avoid wearing short skirts in UAE and should always keep their shoulders covered.
Cultural sensitivity
In the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Even as an international student of another religion, you will find that you cannot eat, drink or smoke in public places in UAE during fasting hours. Most restaurants remain closed but you may eat in your room or in a secluded area in the accommodation where you live. A few eating outlets open during the day for dine-in customers and some fast food restaurants may allow drive-through or take-outs. However, evenings are like carnivals during the Ramadan period and after the sun sets, restaurants may open for extended hours.
Similarly, in UAE, you should get permission before clicking anybody’s photographs. It is best to avoid clicking photographs of Muslim women, government buildings, airports, telecommunications equipment, docks and other military installations.
Homosexuality is strictly looked down upon in UAE and is considered taboo.
Personal safety
While UAE is one of the safest countries to study, it is always a good idea to take normal precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. It is also a good idea to carry some emergency numbers in your pocket at all times, which should include the number of a local police station or headquarters, numbers of your contacts in UAE and in India, the number of ambulance and fire stations, and the number of student counsellor at your university or college.
In case of an emergency in Dubai, you can always dial ‘999’ to call the police, ambulance, or a police helicopter.
Other handy tips
It is advisable to drink plenty of water in the heat. The quality of drinking water and food hygiene is generally safe enough but if you are exploring remote areas, you may want to avoid raw salads and ‘shawarmas’.
Q: Â Can Indians apply for BITS Dubai?
Indian students who wish to study at BITS Dubai can apply for admission easily. Applicants have to submit the online application by the deadline for BITS admission. Students must meet the BITS Dubai admission requirements as per the program. Mentioned below are BITS Pilani Dubai admission requirements for International students:
BITS Dubai requirements for first-degree programs:
- Complete 12th Grade or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall aggregate of marks and a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/ Biology/ Computer Science or any other vocational subjects with at least 50% marks in each subject.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
BITS Dubai requirements for higher degree programs:
- Complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 60% in relevant disciplines.
- Candidates will be required to appear and successfully clear the Interview to qualify for higher degree admission
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at University of Wollongong - UAE?
Indian students prefer attend the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Dubai for a number of reasons -
1) Ranking: UOW consistently ranks among the top 200 universities in the world.
2) Career prospects: Within six months of graduation, 84% of UOW graduates find good job opportunities.
3) International Accreditation: The CAA & KHDA have accredited and recognised all degrees from UOW on a global scale.
4) Global ties: UOW connects students and graduates with companies throughout the world through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
5) Business-friendly atmosphere: The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination for Indian and foreign investors.
6) Scholarships and financial aid: UOWD supports students with financial aid scholarships so that students who genuinely need extra financial help, can have their education expenses covered.
Q: Â What is the cost of studying in BITS Dubai?
The cost of studying in BITS Dubai vary as per the program for International students. BITS Dubai tuition fees varies from INR 7 L and 11 L for first-year. Students also maanage the additional cost to study at BITS Dubai campus. Mentioned below are the tuition fees with additional cost of International studnets:
Course | Tuition Range | Hostel Range | Insurance Range | Miscellaneous Expenses and Fees Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BE/BTech | INR 6.80 L – 11.29 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 40,824 – 1.13 L |
BSc | INR 6.80 L – 11.29 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 40,824 |
MBA/PGDM | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
MEng | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
MS | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
Q: Â Is Manipal Dubai worth it?
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) - Dubai Campus is one of the best universities in Dubai which is famous for its high-quality education and has received several accolades. It is a 5-star rated university as per the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) International Higher Education Rating 2022. The university is also ranked 3rd in the Middle East for its MBA programme by Forbes Middle East Magazine. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 200 universities in Asia. So doing a bachelor's, master's, or any certificate programme at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai is worth it for international students.
Q: Â What are people's opinions on SP Jain School Of Global Management - Dubai Campus for MBA?
Q: Â How expensive is it to live at University of Wollongong - UAE?
The estimated annual living expenses for overseas students, as per the university's official website, range from $8,000 to $12,000 and include housing, food, entertainment, books, internet usage, and transportation. As per the same sources, the estimated tuition cost for the 2023 academic year is $9,990. Students are also required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Dubai, where UOW is located, has a generally higher cost of living than other UAE cities. But Wollongong has a fairly affordable cost of living, so students can concentrate on their education rather than their monetary worries. Depending on the region, the approximately weekly rental cost for a two-bedroom flat in Wollongong ranges from $550 to $750.
Q: Â How many students are in Manipal, Dubai?
At present, over 22,000 international students from 40 nations across the globe have taken MAHE Dubai admissions due to its rating, reputation, brilliant faculties, and excellent academic programs. The university offers over 50 UG, PG, Ph.D., and certificate programs in specializations like Architecture & Design; Engineering; Humanities & Social Sciences; Information Sciences; Life Sciences; Management; Media & communication, and more. Also, the university rating was 5 stars as per the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) higher education classification which is also a reason for the huge admission rate.
Q: Â Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at University of Wollongong - UAE?
A variety of services are provided by the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOW) to assist students in locating part-time employment. Some of these are -
Campus Jobs (JOC)
All enrolled students are eligible to apply for casual positions as administrative and project assistants, student mentors, and hospitality workers.
Career portals
Students can apply for internships, part-time jobs, and full-time jobs by uploading their resumes.
Finding a part-time work in Wollongong is based on your talents, prior experience, and communication skills. It is not at all difficult, though, if you are willing to work on any available task and are not too picky.
In the UAE, in order to work part-time, you have to:
- Obtain a university degree, or a two- or three-year Diploma in a technical or scientific field
- Get a part-time work permit from the government
- Work less than eight hours/day in the secondary job
If you are carrying medicine that is on the list of Controlled Medicines and Medications enforced by the UAE Ministry of Interior and International Narcotic Controlled Board (INCB), you should carry prescriptions issued by licensed doctors, attested by a notary public along with you. Only hospitals in UAE can import medicines, so be sure to carry enough medicines with you to last for the duration of your stay in the UAE.
Mobile Networking
Staying in touch with your family is significant when you shift to an entirely new location for studies. In UAE, the topmost mobile phone and internet services are provided by Du, Virgin Mobile, and Etisalat. Network and internet speeds are fast-paced throughout the UAE. Students are advised to purchase a temporary 'visitors line' until they obtain their residence visa, as soon as they arrive. After getting this visa, they can easily get a postpaid or prepaid plan from any of the service providers in the UAE.
Checklist for Indian Students to Study in UAE
| Checklist | |
|---|---|
| Category | Items to Check |
| Visa and Immigration |
|
| Accommodation |
|
| Health Insurance |
|
| Finances |
|
| Essential Documents |
|
| Cultural Understanding |
|
| Packing | Essentials:
Electronics:
Optional:
Food:
|
Make sure to keep most of your items in vacuum-sealed bags to make room for more items in smaller spaces. By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition to the UAE and make the most of your study abroad experience.
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