Study in the United Arab Emirates (in Arabic, English) - ISEP Exchange
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
If you are looking to experience a new culture in a familiar setting, the American University of Sharjah is the perfect university for you! Sharjah may not compete with the dazzle and glitz of Dubai, but the city's sensitivity towards its history and culture explains why UNESCO declared Sharjah a Cultural Capital of the Arab world. The endless arts areas, souqs, and museums will keep you exploring for hours on end. Sharjah is also uniquely located on world trade routes and is the only Emirate with direct access to the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is what has allowed Sharjah to develop from a small trading town into one of the most active commercial trading centers in the region.
Beyond the classroom, AUS students enjoy a vibrant and dynamic campus life with access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, teams and associations. The International Exchange Office (IXO) works hard to provide a welcoming family environment and a comfortable home base from which international students can feel confident exploring the very unique culture, society and geography of the UAE. IXO runs an orientation program that helps acclimate students to the area, and has an exciting schedule of outings and activities throughout the semester that includes a city tour of Sharjah and day trips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
HOUSING
ISEP students will live in one of the on-campus residence halls at AUS. Students share a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette with one other student. There is also a larger kitchen on each hall, as well as study, workout, computer, and TV rooms. Free laundry facilities are available.
MEALS
ISEP Exchange students will receive a stipend from AUS to cover the cost of their meals throughout the semester.
ISEP Direct students do not receive meal benefits as part of their program, and will be expected to use their own funds for meals. Students can expect to spend approximately 520 USD per month on food.
AUS does not offer “meal plans,” but there are several dining options on campus, including a grocery and a convenience store and several food outlets. There are additional grocery stores around the corner from campus, and University City is surrounded by a wide range of food outlets that are happy to deliver meals to campus. Students can ask their Dorm Supervisors for more details upon arrival.
Course Description
COURSE OVERVIEW
The American University of Sharjah is an independent, fully accredited institution serving a diverse student body from the region and around the world. Courses are taught in English, giving students an opportunity to study in accredited programs like architecture (NAAB), business (AACSB), and engineering (ABET). Sharjah’s culture, firmly rooted in Islamic traditions, embraces courtesy and hospitality and make it a welcoming place to live and study.
All university departments are open to incoming ISEP students, provided students have the appropriate prerequisites to register for courses and provided there is space available. Courses requiring labs (engineering) or studio time (architecture, design) may have limited spaces for exchange students due to seating limitations.
UNIQUE OFFERINGS AT AUS
While ISEP students are allowed to enroll in any offered courses at AUS, they are especially encouraged to take advantage of the numerous courses in Arabic literature and Middle Eastern culture, history, and contemporary politics. Courses in Arabic translation, literature, and poetry are offered in both Arabic (for advanced or native-level speakers) and English. These courses can be found by selecting the subject "Arabic Language and Literature" in the Banner system and course catalog via the links below.
Other unique course offerings include Islamic Philosophy, History of Material Culture in the Arabian Gulf Region, AACSB-accredited Islamic Finance, NAAB-accredited Islamic Art & Architecture, and ABET-accredited Introduction to Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
SEARCHING FOR COURSES
The quickest way to search for courses available in any given semester is to view the specific schedule for the upcoming semester as well as previous semesters.
The Fall schedule of courses is typically uploaded to the Banner system by mid-March, and the Spring courses by mid-October each year. If courses are not yet uploaded, check the previous Fall for as a basis for the current Fall course-offerings and the same goes for the Spring. Similar offerings in the fall and spring respectively are not always guaranteed and may differ slightly.
Students can also look at the course catalog for information on all courses offered at AUS, although please note that not all courses are offered each semester.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Arabic Language Courses
- Arabic as a Second Language courses are not offered regularly at the American University of Sharjah. Arabic language classes are often available at the elementary level but cannot be guaranteed, as they are subject to a 12-student enrollment minimum.
- Students planning to take courses in Arabic translation, literature, and poetry in Arabic must meet the English language requirements listed above, and submit an additional ISEP Language Evaluation or other official test demonstrating that they have at least a B2 level in Arabic.
Graduate-level Entry Requirements
There are 3 specific requirements for students to be eligible for graduate courses:
1. Graduate students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
2. Visiting graduate-level students can enroll in graduate-level courses on exchange, but they must be enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited home institution, be in good standing at the home institution, and have achieved a minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 80.
3. Graduate degree-seeking students must meet all AUS graduate admissions requirements, and must have achieved an undergraduate degree from a university approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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