Being so globalized, Dubai is a mix of the exotic and the familiar. You’ll find that studying in Dubai will have the the advantages of being closer to the Gulf region, but it will still have similar academic standards and practices as your home university. No matter the topic you would like to drill into, there is world-recognized education ready to support your future endeavors.

Popular Subjects to Study. Studying abroad in Dubai is great for Middle East Studies. Whether it’s a focus on politics, religion, history, or business; Dubai is one the best places to live your classroom experiences 24/7. As the crossroads of many cultures and places, Dubai is a fantastic place to study languages. Naturally, it's also a pretty good idea to study Arabic, as you can practice all of the falafel or kale salad toppings on a daily basis.

Short Term vs. Summer vs. Long Term Programs. Academic years are very similar to American universities. Fall semesters usually go from late August until mid December. Spring semesters are from mid-January until mid-May (better weather too). If you don’t have the time of funds for a full semester, some programs also offer summer sessions that are shorter and usually more specialized. You should expect similar academic rigors of American universities and classroom sizes of small to medium classes.

Attending Universities vs. Other Program Types. You could choose to study in Dubai through your own university, the American University in Dubai (or other Dubai universities), or through an outside program provider. The program that fits your needs could depend on your course needs and finances — consult with your local study abroad office to help you the right choice.