Compared to Europe and North America, the Middle East might not be the preferred destination for international students. With a captivating history going back millennia, however, the MENA area is second to none for cultural exchanges. Beyond ancient sites, the Mideast also boasts cosmopolitan cities thriving with stunning architecture and first-rate universities.
Adding a long-standing tradition of hospitality throughout the region, the Middle East offers exciting opportunities for students aiming at an academic path less traveled. So, what if you settled for an adventure? Here are four Middle Eastern countries to consider for a study abroad program.
Turkey
At the crossroads between Asia and Europe, Turkey is a multi-faceted country with thousands of years of history. Once the seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the land was also influenced by ancient Greek, Roman, and Arabic civilizations.
With such a fascinating legacy, it’s no surprise Turkey ranked 4th among the world’s most visited destinations in 2021. From ornate mosques to ancient baths, and even mesmerizing beaches by turquoise seas, the country is a dream to explore.
For international students, cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer both academic excellence and good value. Indeed, the Turkish cost of living is a potent appeal for students unable to afford a European year abroad. What’s more, local universities have integrated the Bologna Process. This means that higher-education qualifications earned in Turkey are recognized across Europe, despite the country not being part of the European Union.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is becoming a powerhouse in the Middle Eastern higher education ecosystem. The country invests up to 20% of its yearly budget in the academic sector. According to QS University Rankings, the kingdom even hosts 12 of the 100 best institutions in the MENA region. Three universities make it to the top five spots, including King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz University.
Petroleum and gas resources are at the core of the Saudi economy. Hence, the country appeals mostly to students pursuing oil, energy, and gas engineering degree programs. But the petro-state also offers advanced facilities to international students across the board.
Besides, Saudi Arabia is steadily opening to the world. Breath-taking archaeological sites are now accessible to visitors, while entire cities like Jeddah are transforming into resort hubs. Still, visiting foreigners are bound to uphold Islamic laws to blend in.
Qatar
Qatar has been at the forefront of academic innovation for years. The emirate has launched many initiatives to spearhead education reform, such as the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE). The Qatar Foundation even established the Education City multi-university campus, operated by several international institutions and top business schools like HEC Paris, Georgetown, and Cornell.
As Qatar’s education goes global, foreign students might also benefit from the emirate’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. Qatar runs a packed schedule of exciting events year-round, including prestigious sports competitions and arts festivals.
Much like Saudi Arabia, though, the country uses sharia-based laws. Thus, public drinking or gambling is prohibited. Incidentally, the best casinos in Qatar (أفضل كازينوهات قطر) are online. Arabic gamblers might use expert reviews to pick safe and reputable platforms. Top gambling websites offer fun machine slots, thrilling table games, and even live dealer sessions. Plus, users can reap generous bonuses like loyalty programs and free spins.
Israel
The country of Israel is only a recent polity dating back to 1948. In seventy years, yet, Israel has turned into a bustling nation, turning resolutely toward the future. Dubbed the “start-up nation” for its enterprising spirit, Israel is a pioneer in scientifical research and the high-tech sector. The country even claimed 4 of the 100 best inventions of 2021.
Israel is therefore a sound pick for computer science, biotech, engineering, and life sciences. Israeli universities also nurture a cosmopolitan learning environment with many high-quality English-taught programs. And four out of the country’s eight universities rank among the 300 best universities worldwide, such as Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Last but not least, Israel prides itself on its tradition of inclusivity and its progressive values. One of the Middle East’s fiercest party destinations, Tel Aviv is also one of the few openly LGBT-friendly destinations in the region.
0 comments