US universities Michigan State University (MSU) and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) are among some of the top organisations that will participate at Najah, an upcoming education, training and careers exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Najah will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 20 to 22.

Both MSU and NYIT have both reported an increase in applications from students who want to split their degrees between the UAE and the USA in order to experience studying abroad in a more economical way.

“Our career oriented degrees offer consistency throughout the world, so a student studying in Abu Dhabi will receive the same quality education as those in our New York, China or Jordan campuses,” said Jan Wallace, director of operations and external affairs at the NYIT.

“A student enrolling in Abu Dhabi will benefit from reduced tuition fees compared to those in our New York campus, but they will still receive the same quality of education as well as the opportunity to spend a semester or a year abroad,” he added.

“Many parents are keen on this structure to take advantage of lower costs of studying in such a financially stable environment as the UAE.”

MSU, which set up its Dubai campus in 2008, provides an opportunity for study at both the Dubai International Academic City and the East Lansing locations.

Some applicants plan to study in the UAE for two years followed by two years in the USA or take a semester abroad as part of earning their degree at MSU Dubai.

“They don’t want to close the door on experiencing university overseas, but they appreciate that by waiting a few years, many households’ economic situations will have stabilized and feel more secure,” said Matthew Flaherty, director of admissions at MSU Dubai.

“A number of the emirates are now home to university branches from Australia, North America, the UK and Germany,” said Lucy Clarke, exhibition director for Najah.

“Students in the UAE now have access to higher education degrees in such varied subjects, from accountancy to zoology and everything in between,” she pointed out.

“School leavers and their parents, as well as anyone who wishes to pursue further education in the UAE or abroad, will be able to visit a number of universities at NAJAH to find out what opportunities are available to them and, perhaps most importantly in this climate, how much it will cost.”

Najah will feature a new education forum which provides a platform for local and international educators to discuss trends and developments in the education sector. The forum allows students and parents to gain first-hand information from industry experts on topics ranging from studying abroad to gaining internships and much more.

Najah also caters to those in employment and helps them to realise their potential through career advancement and training. The event is used by leading businesses in the region to launch recruitment drives and is also highly valued by training companies, research and development organisations and management consultants.

The popular job profiling sessions and career advice lounge return to the exhibition in 2009, along with free consultations to improve CVs and interview techniques.

A series of seminar sessions hosted by industry professionals will help visitors choose the right education or career path.

An assessment centre from AIESEC, the international platform that enables young people to explore and develop their leadership potential, will allow students and graduates to gauge skills and consider potential careers that maximise their strengths. – TradeArabia News Service