Challenges of Study Abroad in the Middle East:
BUILDING FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS
IN THE UAE
H E AT H E R M C G A N N ,
American University at Ras Al Khaimah
Heather McGann is the Manager for International
Programs and Partnerships at the American
University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in the United
Arab Emirates. AURAK is approximately 1 hour
north of Dubai in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It
is a small university of approximately 800 students
offering programs in 3 undergraduate schools:
Arts & Science, Business, and Engineering; and the
School of Graduate Studies and Research. AURAK is
a public non-profit coeducation institution enrolling
both Emirati nationals and students from all over
the world. It follows the American model of higher
education and is accredited by the Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific Research and the
Commission on Academic Accreditation.
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A R A M F O E D U C AT I O N A L F O U N DAT I O N
O
ne of my strategic
objectives is to help
our students to travel
internationally on study
abroad and exchange programs.
Building a study abroad/exchange
program at a developing university is
a unique and wonderful experience.
As the manager I am allowed to
propose new programs and guide
our overseas opportunities for our
students. Sending students abroad
to study new subjects, to learn how
to navigate life on their