Why it’s important to attend a university with a strong international presence

Sponsored by Canadian University of Dubai

Deciding which university to attend requires a careful amount of consideration. Aside from ensuring you’re happy with your degree programme, it’s also worth taking into account non-academic aspects when making your decision such as career services, facilities, nightlife and societies. 

Another important consideration is whether your university has a strong international presence. Here are three reasons why it matters when selecting your dream university: 

Opportunities to study abroad

It’s undeniable that studying abroad is one of the best ways to gain a global outlook and immerse yourself in a new culture. At Canadian University Dubai (CUD) in the United Arab Emirates, an international presence is grounded in several partnerships with esteemed universities in Canada and around the world. 

CUD students can transfer to prestigious Canadian universities such as McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, to name a few. After graduating from your Canadian transfer university, you may then be eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit Program, making it possible to stay and seek career opportunities in Canada. This allows a graduate with Canadian credentials to secure a work permit for up to three years.

Experiencing different styles of teaching is also possible through participation in exchange programmes abroad. CUD partners with institutions such as Université Lumière Lyon 2 and University of the Fraser Valley, meaning you’ll have multiple opportunities to broaden your horizons. 

A world-class education 

Another advantage of studying at an institution with a strong international network is the implications on academic reputation. In addition to ranking as the seventh best university in the world for international students, CUD is also ranked as the fourth best institution in the United Arab Emirates, according to the most recent QS World University Rankings. 

The university is among the country’s flagship higher education institutions, bringing academic experts from across the globe to expand the range of curricula, programmes, and teaching approaches.

Kathleen Bono, an architecture student at CUD, said: “I have dreamt of being an architect from a very young age and looked at the various study options in the UAE before deciding on CUD. The programme is well-structured, allowing you to take a step-by-step approach to developing the fundamental skills, while in the studio sessions you are encouraged to take on different perspectives to find and develop your own style.

“Inspired by faculty in the school, I am currently pursuing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and hope to apply this knowledge to promote sustainable design in my future career.”

Vibrant communities

Gaining cultural awareness doesn’t always mean you need to move abroad for your education. CUD’s avant-garde campus, based in the heart of the city’s downtown district, is home to 120 student nationalities – the perfect foundation for a multi-cultural and diverse learning journey. 

The student-centred university is a thriving community with several clubs and regular performances, cultural events, along with external collaborations to facilitate networking opportunities.

Amira Dagash, a graduate of the telecommunications engineering programme, said: “Outside of the classroom, there are always opportunities to learn new things, whether by taking part in competitions, or through course-related internships.

“I have also enjoyed contributing to the university in other ways, as a member of the Student Council and a volunteer for various events and activities, which has helped improve my employability and enhanced my overall university experience.”

The dynamic student life at CUD also extends to its annual graduation ceremonies, which have been celebrated on extraordinary stages that include: the prestigious Dubai Opera, Dubai World Trade Centre and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. 

Photo by Yan Krukau