Empowering UAE Students for Global Success

When students from the United Arab Emirates prepare to study abroad, the pre-departure period is no longer just about packing clothes and securing a visa. Abu Dhabi's educational authority has elevated preparations to a new level: through a comprehensive, week-long program, students learn how to preserve their identity, protect themselves in dangerous situations, and adapt safely to the host country's rules while remaining true to their homeland's values.

Safety, Culture, Artificial Intelligence

Within the framework of the Pre-Departure Programme, over 100 Abu Dhabi Scholarship and Khotwa scholarship recipients participate in interactive workshops that cover issues such as security, substance use prevention, financial planning, proper use of AI tools, and the question of cultural identity. The training sessions continue until July 21 and take place at 11 highlighted locations with the collaboration of 25 national and international partners.

The goal of the program is not only academic preparation but also the development of positive thinking, resilience, and leadership skills. For example, during police presentations, specific scenarios were demonstrated where students learned how to react in threatening situations, whether it involves harassment, encounters with drugs, or the dangers of the online world.

The Laws Travel with Them

It is particularly important for UAE students to know that they remain under UAE law even when studying abroad. A representative from the Abu Dhabi Police's anti-drug unit highlighted that substances that may seem harmless or legal in one country might pose serious risks if they are prohibited by UAE laws.

The legal preparation also included identifying official authorities, what to ask during inspections, and how to act if someone wants to entrust them with a package — a seemingly minor detail that can have significant consequences.

Preserving National Identity

As part of preparing for independence, cooking classes were also held where students learned to make dishes typical of the Emirates. According to instructors, familiar flavors help maintain an emotional connection with home, while also providing practical assistance in organizing daily meals healthily and economically.

The use of artificial intelligence was also specifically emphasized: students are taught how to use AI tools ethically for their research without incurring suspicions of plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Learning from Previous Generations

One special aspect of the program is the sharing of experiences by former scholarship recipients. One former student shared that when he arrived in Boston for his studies, many American students had not even heard of the UAE — they only had some knowledge of Dubai. He used this as an opportunity to tell them about the culture and customs, thereby facilitating intercultural dialogue. He believes that this is also the mission of students: not only to learn but also to show what it means to have an Emirati identity.

Future Students Can Also Benefit

Currently, the initiative is experimental, but feedback is already positive. Among participants, there has been an improvement in mental health, legal and cultural awareness, and an increased confidence in self-reliance. The organizers aim for the program to become available to all Emirati students planning to study abroad in the future, regardless of which scholarship program they participate in.

This initiative not only focuses on academic success but also ensures that young representatives of the Emirates can stand their ground worthily, safely, and with cultural sensitivity anywhere in the world.

(The article's source is a press release from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).)