Fifty-seven UK universities were represented at the Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX) 2008, organised by the British Council. The exhibition opened last Sunday in Abu Dhabi and Monday in Dubai and featured universities based in the UK as well as those with branches in the UAE.
Alison Devine, British Council regional manager, Education UK Middle East, said that the aim of the exhibition was to raise awareness about studying in the UK and the UAE, and getting a variety of qualifications. "We are trying to let the public know what the UK has to offer in terms of high-quality provision on all levels of education," she said.
Devine said that British education is strong across the region. "The UK teaching methodology makes students learn, analyse, question, think outside the box," she said.
Representatives from the British Council guided students on the types of questions to ask university representatives and what to look for in a university and country.
A quieter fair
Over 1,000 visitors attended EDUKEX in Abu Dhabi, which took place alongside the three-day NAJAH exhibition. Students had the opportunity to examine universities from Canada, the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East as part of the NAJAH education, training and careers exhibition.
Some exhibitors said that the exhibition in Abu Dhabi was quieter than that in Dubai, and broader because it combined universities from all over the world.
"There is only UK education here [in Dubai] so people who know what they want come, and the location in Dubai is more helpful," said Puspa Mistry, international officer of Leeds Metropolitan University who was present at both expos.
Accreditation of UK universities in the UAE
One issue that students and parents asked about in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai was accreditation of universities.
Universities based in the UK discussed accreditation in their country while those based here had one more dimension to consider: accreditation by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
Several UK universities are based in one of the UAE's free zones, which in most cases exempts them from pursuing the accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, representatives from those universities said.
Those thinking of relocating, expanding, or sending students to work in the UAE public sector have to rethink the necessity of local accreditation.
Such is the case with Heriot Watt University, which gives students the option of studying at its international branch in Dubai International Academic City or going to Scotland. Harry John Nair, admissions coordinator, said that the university might consider getting local accreditation should it decide to expand or relocate the campus.
"Accreditation depends on the market. Some universities don't need UAE accreditation because its graduates don't apply to positions in the UAE public sector," said Devine.
Parents' input
Almost every student was accompanied by a parent. Parents asked about the tuition fee, environment, living expenses and accreditation among other things.
One parent, Zahra Nowrouzzadeh, said: "My daughter's currently doing her A-levels and will be graduating this year. We want her to choose a university in London because both her father and I went to London and we recommend universities there."
Her daughter Tanaz has not decided on whether she wants to do law or pharmacology and was making the rounds of all the booths.
Another parent, Saadia Jawwad, said such exhibitions are very helpful because it saves time by bringing universities together at one venue. "I always wondered about the UK environment, dorms, expenses, etc, but here I got to ask and learn about the general overview," she said.
Her daughter, Eiman, said the exhibition was helpful, informative and provided good guidance on subjects and the requirements.
Feedback from exhibitors
Exhibitors were busy answering students' questions until very late on both days in Dubai. "It's worthwhile because anyone with a serious interest will come to this event and check out everything. It's a good focal point," said Andrew Howman, head of the international office at the University of Bath.
"Students have a range of questions. Some of them come with questions like ‘What does Bath do?' and others come saying that they applied, received their acceptances and want to find out more about accommodation and expenses," he added.
Casey Carver, international officer from the University of Bolton, said: "The exhibition is very well organised and students show a lot of interest both in the University of Bolton, UK and the branch in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)." The university's RAK campus has surpassed its targeted number of accepted students with 170 students being enrolled as against a projected 100.
By Maysam Ali, Notes Staff Reporter