Cross-cultural Studying: Studying In The Middle East

Disclosure: Written by sponsor, Megan Taylor. Links were also provided.

There are a large number of reasons why studying a post graduate degree is likely to entice US students to the Middle East. The Master of urban planning is an accredited degree that is perfect for professionals who are looking to build a career in the planning field. This is just an example of the variety of opportunities available to students in this region.

What the Middle East Offers

The region has a warm climate and is rich in culture and history. But the main reason it is attracting more and more students, is the selection of excellent educational facilities, and the active promotion to become an international educational hub. A major centre of university education is the UAE (United Arab Emirates) with its centre in Dubai. Dubai is now home to ‘branch campuses’ that are run by globally prestigious universities

Another destination for postgraduate studies is Qatar, which has also been successful in attracting foreign universities. These include a significant amount of universities from the US, as does the region, in general. Courses here are held in English, and examples include the American University of Sharjah and the American University of Beirut.

Differences between studying in the US and the Middle East

Apart for the basic cultural differences between the two societies, American students will find a lot of educational similarities. Education in Saudi Arabia and the US is fairly close when it comes to methodology. Both governments recognize the importance of investing money in their young, and, for this reason, spend a lot of capital on education.

Both cultures have many Universities that make the most of specializations for students and give them a huge choice of subjects to study. Students with special needs are also considered important in the Middle East as in the US.

The Middle East offers more than just a qualification

For students that want more than ‘just a qualification’ then a post graduate course in this region can give the visitor an insight into another culture that they would not get in the US. There are several significant advantages for an American to study here and not the least of these is that they are stepping out of their comfort zone.

As well as receiving an internationally recognized qualification on graduating, students that study in one of the many Middle Eastern Universities will get something that they could never get if they stayed at home. That is an improved understanding of an ancient culture that is playing such an important part in shaping the modern world