Finding Your Way Through Abu Dhabi’s Diverse Cultural Options

Abu Dhabi is a cultural melting pot where students can choose from a wide variety of cuisines and dress styles. Students who are able to navigate these options with respect are better able to embrace diversity and appreciate the essence of the local culture.

An Unparalleled Chance to Understand Abu Dhabi’s Culture

College students studying in Abu Dhabi have the rare opportunity to experience a diverse array of cultures in Rank UAE. Learning about a place’s history, culture, and people through firsthand experiences at festivals, museums, and other community gatherings is an unforgettable experience that can’t be replicated in a lecture hall.

Abu Dhabi Is the Ultimate Study Destination

Abu Dhabi, with its prestigious academic institutions, is a great place for students to further their studies. The city’s dedication to education and the diversity of its cultural offerings create a setting ideal for intellectual and emotional development.

Abu Dhabi’s Flavors Will Give You Food Fever

The cuisine in Abu Dhabi is an exciting mix of authentic Emirati fare and global specialties. Discovering the local food is a great way to learn about the history and traditions of a place while also satisfying your hunger.

The Locals: Receiving Abu Dhabi’s Warm Hospitality

The people of the United Arab Emirates are famously welcoming and friendly. As a result, college students in Abu Dhabi develop a strong sense of community and a respect for local culture through direct exposure to the warm hospitality of the residents.

Sakura Matsuri

The Sakura Matsuri Festival in Abu Dhabi is a riveting celebration of Japanese culture, enhanced by the beautiful beauty of cherry blossoms. Every year, Abu Dhabi hosts a festival that serves as a shining example of the city’s dedication to fostering international peace and understanding via cultural interaction.

Superior Public Transportation Allows for Quick and Easy Travel Around Abu Dhabi

Residents and visitors alike can take use of Abu Dhabi’s excellent public transportation system. Students may get around the city with convenience and comfort thanks to the well-connected system of buses, taxis, and the cutting-edge metro.

FAQs

What should I pack for Abu Dhabi as a student?

In order to show respect for local customs and traditions, it is recommended that college students in Abu Dhabi dress modestly. In public or sacred spaces, it is preferable to wear attire that covers the shoulders and knees.

How can I respectfully engage with natives in Abu Dhabi?

Taking an interest in the Emirati people’s history, customs, and language will help you connect with them on a deeper level. Respect for cultural standards, such as avoiding overt shows of affection in public, is also crucial.

What are some of the best Emirati foods that students in Abu Dhabi simply must try?

Students should try traditional Emirati dishes like the seasoned rice dish Mach boos and the sweet dumplings luqaimat drizzled with date syrup. Tasting these dishes is a great way to learn about the history and culture of a region’s cuisine.

Is there anything of cultural significance happening in Abu Dhabi that college students should know about?

Students of all disciplines should mark their calendars for the exciting Abu Dhabi Cultural Festival, which will highlight the wide range of artistic and musical expressions in the region. Participating in such gatherings is a great way to learn about the history, art, and culture of a place.

As a student at the University of Abu Dhabi, how can I best utilize the city’s public transit system?

Students can make the most of their time in Abu Dhabi by learning the ins and outs of the city’s public transportation system. Their everyday commute can be simplified if they plan ahead, use digital transport apps, and invest in reusable transportation cards.

Conclusion

As a student at a university in Abu Dhabi, embracing Emirati etiquette can lead to incredible opportunities for learning, development, and adventure. Students can make deep relationships and treasured memories in this vibrant and welcoming city provided they appreciate the importance of scale, value individual autonomy, and seize upon extraordinary educational opportunities.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Tokyo

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Size matters

Tokyo’s size is enormous: the metropolis counts for more than 13.9 million people (spread over 847.09 square miles – or 2,193.96 km2). The Greater Tokyo Area – the most populous metropolitan area worldwide – is home to around 40 million people. If living in the biggest urban cluster sounds exciting to you, then Tokyo might be the perfect study abroad destination for you.

Freedom to choose

The list of universities located in Tokyo is long: apart from 20 national and public universities, Tokyo includes some 130 private universities and numerous junior colleges. No doubt that you will find the right university for you there. There is the Tokyo University of Science, the Tokyo Metropolitan University, Kitasato University, Keio University, Nihon University, and many more besides.

Unprecedented opportunity to learn Japanese

The majority of university programmes in Japan are only offered in Japanese. However, there are a small number of universities offering four-year undergraduate degrees with courses taught entirely in English. Additionally, several universities offer one or more English courses at the master’s and/ or PhD level.

The perfect place to study in Japan

Tokyo is the Japanese centre of industry, trade, education and culture alike. It counts to the fifth biggest financial centres worldwide. The broad diversity of universities and its importance as Japan’s economic and educational hub make it a perfect place for your study experience abroad. Safety is an important point to consider when studying abroad. According to the current Numbeo Safety Index, Tokyo has a score of 76,64 – ranking it at number 31 of 427 cities globally for safety.

Tokyo is a global city, with a strong financial centre. It is rich in culture and history – offering historic sites, modern sightseeing buildings, and more than 50,000 restaurants. With its sheer size, Tokyo offers plenty to see and do as the world’s most populous metropolitan area. We are sure you will love the Tokyo life while studying there.

Food fever

The food on the streets of Tokyo is a force to reckon with. While travelling to other countries you may be used to having your food choices at a bare minimum, but in Tokyo, you will be constantly exposed to a whole world of culinary delights which will challenge your palate. Not only is the food quite delicious, but it is also comparatively pretty cheap. Sushi and sashimi are a ubiquitous part of Japanese dining. Of course, you will always encounter the hot pot, which is an experience in itself. Studying in Tokyo is definitely worth the food there!

The people

You will notice that people in Japan are very good natured. There is always a sense of respect for one another and you will hardly ever encounter people being rude. Just generally, people seem to care about the happiness and hospitality of people around them. It is a great turn around from Western culture, where people are not very helpful or polite.

Sakura Matsuri, the Cherry Blossom Festival

There’s no doubt the sakura matsuri is one of the most aesthetically pleasing visions in the world, with numerous parks around the city such as Ueno Park hanging their own lanterns during Hanami – an outdoor party that marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season.

Unrivalled public transport

Tokyo’s clean and efficient subway means that you can get wherever you need to be at a rapid speed, which makes getting around the city a total breeze. Being a megacity, the trains will become packed, but the negative of being squashed is nothing compared with the freedoms that such a vast, clean, fast system offers the adventurous student.

During your time off (holidays, weekends) you will find yourself wanting to explore more of what Tokyo and Japan has to offer. A bullet train is without doubt the best way to do so as they cover vast distances quicker than normal trains. Bullet trains are notorious for their punctuality. In fact, in November 2017, a Japanese bullet train company issued an apology for departing 20 seconds early.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Seoul

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Technology & Internet 

The technology and internet access in Seoul are among the best and the most convenient in the world. For example, in some universities, students can reserve and choose their preferred seats in the library through a live online monitoring system. This system helps maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of students’ experiences in the library. In addition, in order for international students to improve their Korean listening and comprehension skills, they can watch national TV even without an internet connection and free of charge on their mobile phones.

Furthermore, providing one of the fastest internet connections in the world (four times more than the average world speed), students can enjoy more than 10,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Seoul: university campuses, libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, stores, healthcare centres, subways, railway stations and even taxis, to name a few. And, best of all is the powerful internet connection in prepaid Sim Cards that allows users to have internet access anywhere, ranging from inside the elevators to underground (basement) levels.

Diversity 

Many South Korean universities offer courses in the English language and help international students with many types of scholarships and research funds. In addition, with the recent popularity of Korean Pop Culture (e.g. K-Drama and K-Pop) among international fans, many people from all around the world have started studying, living, and working in South Korea. As a result, universities have a great rate of cultural diversity and the probability of international students feeling homesick is extremely low.

Moreover, there are many opportunities for both national and international students to get to know each other and become friends. For example, universities pay extra attention to include group projects in each course (which also means less individual assignments!) and most of the time groups are made randomly by the professors. This is one of the best methods to become closer to classmates. In addition, there are many student clubs and extracurricular/leisure activities that are offered for the students to enjoy their hobbies and get to know people who share similar interests.

Economy

As the capital city of South Korea, Seoul has an extremely powerful economy; which helps the students with a high employment rate as well as relatively moderate prices (e.g. living costs, tuition fees, and books). In Seoul, international students enrolled in a regular study course are generally allowed to work 20 hours of part-time jobs per week and limitless hours in the school holidays (which includes two long vacations with a total of 5 months duration). One of the most favourite jobs among international students is part-time English language teaching. Students with decent levels of Korean language abilities can also apply for a variety of part-time jobs through job portals and websites.

Food Culture

Korean people pay extra attention to their food and believe that a healthy diet consists of eating three meals per day. The principal aspects of the Korean diet include a high number of vegetables, some legumes and fish, and very little red meat. In addition, a variety of local restaurants and reliable delivery services are considered some of the other advantages of food culture in Seoul. Furthermore, Seoul not only offers traditional Korean food in its restaurants, food stalls, and food markets, but provides international students with a taste-of-home experience with American, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, British, French, Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisines.

Safety

Seoul is an extremely safe city with a low rate of crime and violence. Its level of safety is similar to that of most European cities and higher than most of the American cities. International students can rest assured and enjoy the city attractions and appreciate the nightlife; whether solo or together with friends.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Tokyo

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Cultural intersection

As a study abroad destination, Singapore enables you to experience many different cultures. There are several cultural enclaves within Singapore where you can explore authentic Chinese, Indian, Arab and Malaysian neighborhoods but easily navigate your way around all the country. Since just about everyone speaks English, it is incredibly easy to get around and settle into the country while still having so many diverse cultures all around.

Location, location, location

Most students who want to do a lot of traveling to different countries think of going to Europe, but Singapore is a great hub for traveling too. Singapore is in Southeast Asia, which is also home to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia. You can easily travel by train, plane or boat and hop over to any of these surrounding countries.

Education, education, education

Singapore is quite often referred to as the “The Little Red Dot” because it’s usually covered by pin-drops on most digital maps. However, its small size is made up for by its many strong academics. Many of Asia’s universities are considered superstars in global higher education rankings and Singapore is uniquely positioning itself for educational excellence.

The future is here

While other countries dream of building an ultra-modern city, Singapore is currently doing it. With the signature boat-shaped Marina Bay Sands complex dominating the marina bay area, this building alone has put its definitive stamp on the Singapore modern skyline. Study abroad in the city center where old-world and new-world come together in Southeast Asia.

Language lessons

Singapore is often confused for a Chinese-speaking destination but you will quickly find that almost everyone speaks at least two languages and prefers to communicate in English. In fact, English is the official educational language, so classroom instruction is in English. This allows for an easier transition into a new environment both in and outside of the classroom and an incredibly rich opportunity to learn about many cultures through day-to-day interactions.

Amazing food

Yes, you’ll be here to study, but if food is your passion, then there are few better places for a foodie than Singapore. Locals eat at least two out of three meals each day outside of their homes as there are food courts, restaurants and almost every type of cuisine available around the clock. With an extraordinary breadth and depth of local and international cuisine, your studies will be perfectly balanced with incredible food.

Cost of living

One of the most common misconceptions about Singapore is that it is outrageously expensive. Unless you are planning to buy a house or a car, you can actually live in the city very inexpensively. Don’t like cooking? Well, let someone else do the cooking for you at the local hawker stands or small local restaurants for under $5 a meal.

Safety

Not allowing chewing gum keeps Singapore safe. Besides avoiding premeditated gum-in-hair attacks, Singapore’s strictly enforced laws have a direct correlation to low crime rates. While sometimes it might seem that Singapore is uptight with its strict laws, the benefit is that it is the second safest city in the world behind Tokyo according to The Economist’s 2015 Safe Cities Index. Streets, trains and buses are exceptionally secure and allow travelers and international students alike a real sense of safety and the ability to relax and enjoy their environment.

Getting around

Not only is the public transportation inexpensive, it is incredibly easy to use. The signs are written in English and all of the stops on the trains and buses are announced in English. You can get anywhere in the city on the trains and buses without worrying about getting lost because the friendly locals are always willing to help! The public transportation is extraordinarily clean, so you can take a seat and relax while zipping around the city.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Shanghai

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It has food from all 23 provinces in China

When you click off this article, keep in mind one thing: Shanghai is a foodie’s paradise. Forget what you learned from Chinese takeaways, this city attracts a diverse selection of the best flavors from all over the country for its hungry citizens. There’s something for everyone, such as delicious xiǎolóngbāo (soup-filled dumplings), street noodles prepared before your eyes, or, for the more adventurous, the local’s favorite–stinky tofu. What’s more, you can experience this wide variety of food all in one place: the popular Yunnan Road. This street has specialty cuisine from all 23 provinces in China – in just one place.

It’s the third-largest city in the world

To put it into perspective, Shanghai is about eight times larger than New York City, and has at least five million more people living within its city limits. A city this big means more of everything: more to do, more to see, more activities, events, and life everywhere you look. A city that big can be overwhelming, but studying abroad gives you the chance to pick up and move there knowing you’ll have a built-in cohort of fellow international students at the university of your choice.

It is a melting pot

Shanghai society has different cultures woven throughout. Shanghai has always been a meeting point of East and West, and continues to be a confluence point of cultures today. Throughout its history, Shanghai has been a major port for Europe and Asia. At points, it has been occupied by European and American concessions and also housed a community of Jewish refugees during the war. Paired with modern industry, this unique past set the stage for the global Shanghai you see today. This cultural collage can seem intimidating, and the only way to overcome this is to go out and immerse yourself in this mix of cultures.

It has an amazing public transit system

Though it is an incredible place to wander and explore on foot, Shanghai is well connected by their transport network and particularly by metro, less than $1 USD will get you almost anywhere in the city in less than an hour! Bike sharing is also wildly popular in Shanghai, giving you more ways to see new places, or change up your commute. Develop a relationship with your new home as you stumble upon new neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, and friendly Shanghai residents. Some of the best places to travel to in the city are Yu Gardens, Jing’an Temple, and the Bund.

It can be a boost to your CV

In the past 20 years, China has positioned itself to be a major player in almost every industry. This means companies from all over the globe have some connection with China and are on the lookout for employees with experience in this market. While abroad, you can practice your networking vocabulary during a language class, visit major factories and ports in the city if you study supply something like chain management, or even take on a full-time summer internship in Shanghai. Gaining internship experience, studying at a Chinese university, as well as practicing Mandarin in the commercial and financial capital of China are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

You don’t have to be constantly budget conscious

For example, a meal at a dining hall can cost only c.10 RMB ($1.48 USD). You’ll also learn the art of bargaining – consider everything sold in a market or on the street open for a discussion. It may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang striking a bargain in Shanghai you’ll feel like a local. A souvenir you were able to haggle for in Mandarin (or maybe just non-verbally, which is also a skill)!

Art and architecture away from the skyscrapers and lights

Shanghai’s global influences and traditional Chinese culture collide to make this city a feast for the eyes. Eastern and Western, as well as old and new architecture coexist side by side. The beautiful Jing’an Temple is nestled directly amid the hustle and bustle of skyscrapers while an art-deco slaughterhouse-turned-shopping center stands by the old Jewish Ghetto. Walking around the Bund may remind you of Europe while ultra-modern skyscrapers like the China Pearl Tower sparkle across the river. Shanghai is also home to a vibrant arts scene with museums big and small throughout, such as student favorites like the Shanghai Museum, Yuzmuseum’s famous Rain Room, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Beijing

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If your desires are further afield than the West, look no further than Beijing. It will be a culture shock, it will be exciting, it will be totally different from what you are used to. Below are some reasons that studying abroad in Beijing will be worth it.

Affordability

Studying in Asia is actually cheap in comparison to studying in most European countries. China is no different. In fact, it’s cheaper to travel, eat, and live in Beijing than it is in other Chinese cities, making it a destination that is easy to afford for college students living on a tight budget. You’ll find that by exploring local restaurants and markets, you’ll be able to eat as cheap as $10 per day. If you are worried about affording getting to China, many cross-cultural programmes are in place that offer scholarships.

Cultural difference

Chinese culture is vast. Within that vastness is a thrilling diversity and fascinating history. Through living in Beijing you’ll learn how Chinese people live now, from viewing the Buddhist temples that are scattered across the city, as well as learning about household and professional manners and norms and local cuisine. Furthermore, the more time you spend in Beijing, the more experience you have talking to locals, will teach you about the Eastern and more collectivist point of view that they have. You will emerge from your studies a more empathetic and understanding person.

Chinese cuisine

From noodles, to soup, to fish, to chicken claws, to milk tea, to shrimp and cucumber dumpling, you will fall in love with the cuisine and will get the chance to eat in restaurants with dishes from across the world. As many capital cities are, Beijing is a hub for different cultures, so if you need comfort food because you miss home, for as low as a price of USD $1 you can enjoy a familiar breakfast. Likewise, if you are wanting to explore culinary horizons, Beijing has you sorted.

Unique classes

Although all we want to do is travel when we visit another country, taking classes is the major focus of spending time abroad. But classes in Beijing will focus on topics you’ve never explored in such depth before, China’s history, language, economy and culture and will be closer to the Confucian style of teaching – longer classes but less times per week. You won’t have a better opportunity to learn about China than when you study in Beijing.

Endless exploring

There are countless neighborhoods to explore in Beijing. You can go to Houhai, one of the many hutongs in the city, and get on a boat around the lake after visiting a tea house; visit Sanlitun to dance in the best clubs after a shopping spree, walk around the 798 art district and taste traditional noodles, and visit the Olympic Park. There’s a different activity you can do each weekend, so that by the end of the semester you will know which places to visit the next time you travel to Beijing.

Access to Asia

Not only can you explore Beijing, but also travel to other wonderful cities, towns, historical sites, and parks. The good thing about living in the capital is that you’ll have transportation connections to almost every single part of Asia and the world! And you can travel by plane, bus, or train.

Professional advantages

Living in a big city has many advantages – one of them being the vast job field and the wide array of professional opportunities. If you’re looking to do an internship, Beijing is the place to go, bursting with businesses looking for experienced and international individuals who will bring a different perspective.

Art attack

Apart from having its own art district with art galleries and museums at every corner, Beijing is a melting pot of art from all over China, having traditional Chinese opera, acrobatic shows, museums, underground and stadium concerts…you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the world of Chinese art, meet artists from all over the world, and see things you have never seen before.

SEE ALSO: Study Abroad in Berlin

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