American and American-style universities in the Middle East

American-style universities, as well as branch campuses of well-known American universities, are growing in number throughout the Middle East. These new institutions typically follow a flexible course of study for which American institutions are famous. Today, there are many employers who value the academic credentials of U.S. degree holders and actively seek graduates of these institutions. The success of these universities is buoyed by two important factors.

First, these institutions usually hold or bring with them regional accreditation from well-known American accreditation associations. Second, they have important governmental recognition in their host countries. With this kind of support, the institutions are rapidly able to implement the offerings of undergraduate degree programs in many different fields of study. Some may be able to offer transfer credit options from other recognized regional institutions, and still others arrange transfer credits with institutions in the U.S. A few American-style programs are already offering Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in certain subjects. 

Many of these institutions are new on the international education scene, although some date back as far as the 1800s. One of the oldest and best known American universities in the Middle East is the American University of Beirut (AUB). Recognized by the U.S. accrediting organization, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.msache.org/), AUB was established in 1886. A few decades later, the American University in Cairo was established in Egypt. Both continue to operate to the present day. For several decades after the establishment of these universities, there was a hiatus on opening and operating American institutions abroad, but in the 1970s, more American universities began opening international campuses. In the Middle East, the Lebanese American University opened in Lebanon. 

Nevertheless, the largest number of institution openings in the Middle East has occurred within the last ten years. These include the American University of Sharjah and the American University of Kuwait, as well as the Qatar Foundation’s Education City in Doha, Qatar.   Of special interest to many Yemeni students are the American universities in Education City. Supported by the Qatar Foundation, I visited these schools in late March in an effort to look at ways to encourage the many talented Yemeni students with whom we work at AMIDEAST to consider applying to these institutions. 

The American universities that make up Education City include the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts (main campus based in Richmond, Virginia), the Weil-Cornell Medical College (based in Ithaca, New York),  Texas A&M’s College of Engineering (based in College Station, Texas), Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (based in Pittsburgh, PA), and most recently, Georgetown University’s Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service (based in Washington, DC).

The enrollment at each university in Education City ranges from 40 to 200 students. Currently, there are over 700 students studying at the various universities there. All classes are taught in English and there are more than forty countries represented at the five universities based at Education City. In a few years, administrators expect that several thousand students will be enrolled, as more universities open up branches and the current universities expand their physical plants and degree offerings.  Admissions: The Qatar-based institutions accept applications from students regardless of citizenship. University admissions are highly competitive, and the institutions still require standardized exams like TOEIC, TOEFL, and SAT.

Each institution has slightly different admissions criteria and interested applicants should check the university websites listed at the end of the article.  For example, VCU-Q  requires a portfolio of either work already finished or completion of a set of exercises.  Financial Aid: Each year, AUB and AUC offer need-based partial tuition scholarships. Currently, a few institutions within the Qatar Foundation may offer such scholarships to highly qualified students; however, in general, the institutions prefer to offer Qatar Foundation-supported interest-free loans.

These loans can be worked off either by committing to work in Qatar after graduation for several years or through arrangements with the individual’s future employer.  Housing: On-campus housing is available for students attending any of Education City’s universities. Dormitories are high quality and there is a great deal of opportunity for student activities arranged by the Foundation.  Accreditation: As previously mentioned, the Education City institutions all bring with them U.S. regional accreditation, and as part of the Qatar Foundation, they have full recognition from the State of Qatar as well.
 
Faculty: The faculty of the Education City institutions are fully qualified professors, many of whom come directly from their universities’ main campuses to teach and research in Qatar. All are committed to making this very special blend of American and international education a unique international success.  Facilities: Education City institutions have premier facilities—often boasting better equipment and more modern buildings than are found on their home campuses. There is an excellent Bridge program, as well, for students who require academic and English Language skills strengthening before embarking upon their university studies. 

Transfer and Study Abroad Opportunities: Many of the programs offer enrolled students the opportunity to transfer into their home institution—generally in the third year of study.  In addition, most offer study abroad and internship opportunities for students from U.S.-based colleges and universities as well as for visiting students from other universities.  Other students benefit from a U.S.-study experience by enrolling in summer sessions at the main campus.

In Conclusion: The American and American-style degree-granting colleges and universities outside the U.S. constitute an exciting and very attractive option for students. They do cost the same amount of money as universities do in the U.S., but they are much closer to home so students can save money on transportation and phone calls! Additionally, they are based in a cultural and linguistic environment with which many students and their families are more familiar and comfortable. 

For further information about any of the colleges or universities, please visit the individual institution’s website:  For information about studying in the U.S. and to learn about ETS and College Board examinations, please visit AMIDEAST’s EducationUSA centers in Sana’a and Aden. (www.amideast.org)

Related Content

•  US intervention in Iran
•  The mortality of the Dalai Lama
•  Panorama Of June 2009
•  Why is Obama so popular?
•  Neda Soltan: anger and fear
•  Obama will back green energy in Asean and Indonesia
•  Obama’s hands-off policy is just the right touch
•  Iraq: was it worth it?
•  Street rules in Iran
•  Universal health care in a free market