AIU Study Tour Returns From Dubai
September 14, 2008
•AIU London
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AIU London traditionally offers its students the chance of visiting various parts of the world to help acquaint the students with an understanding of a range of world cultures and equip them with knowledge of how their field of study is practiced in different regions. Recent trips have visited locations as varied as Tokyo, Bangkok, Mumbai, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, but this was the University's first trip to Dubai and we caught the city, at such a fascinating point in its history.
As one of the world's most vibrant emerging cities, it was fascinating to learn of Dubai's incredible ambition to become the world city of the 21st-century, especially against the backdrop of the current Credit Crunch. During the tour, the group visited many of the city's extra-ordinary development projects such as the impressive Business Bay Downtown area, the proposed Dubailand theme park and the Palm Jumeirah land reclamation project. We met with many working professionals who have been part of the city's recent transformation including the architect who designed the world's tallest building, the Burj.
AIU's study tours are designed not just to enable our students to meet with professionals working within their chosen field but the University feels it is just as important for students to have the opportunity to explore and understand the history and culture of whichever host country we visit. To this end the group also enjoyed a series of visits aimed at educating them into the traditions, cultural norms and practices of people in the UAE: we made, for example, visits to the Jumeirah Mosque to learn about the Islamic faith, we had dinner in a traditional Emirati family home and took a trip to neighbouring Abu Dhabi where we learned of how the country is governed.
At the end of the tour all students agreed that it had been one of the most fulfilling experiences of their time at University. Next year will be a different destination, for the AIU Study Tour, but for those who went to Dubai the memories of such an exciting city will last a life-time!
Testimonials from students:
"It was a great trip and an opportunity to share with people and get to know different cultures. I would definitely recommend it." - Maria Pantino-Rojas. Colombia
"It was great fun. As a Business student, it was nice to learn of the architecture of Dubai which I found really interesting and useful." - Farhan Rajar, Pakistan
"I would recommend the study tour to a friend because it was a great way to experience a new culture and bond with AIU's students and faculty." - Seif ElSeif, Saudi Arabia
"Amazing!" - Sheheryar Arshad, Pakistan