Penn State and Emirati Students: A Look at Education, Partnerships, and Community
Penn State University has a notable connection with students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This relationship encompasses academic pursuits, cultural exchange, and, at times, encounters with the legal system. This article delves into the various facets of the Penn State-Emirati student experience, exploring educational opportunities, partnerships between the UAE and Penn State, and the broader context of international student enrollment trends.
Applying to Penn State as an Emirati Student
For Emirati students aspiring to study at Penn State, the application process is similar to that of other international students, with specific requirements to ensure a smooth transition.
First-Year Students
Prospective first-year students can begin their application online. The online application allows applicants to save their work at each step. This feature allows students to move back and forth within the application or log off and return to complete their application at a later time.
A crucial step involves providing a Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) Record. A new window will open allowing you to complete your STARS Record. The STARS Record will focus on your high school coursework. It is important that this step is a complete and accurate representation of your school record. Therefore, have a copy of your secondary school records available as you complete your STARS Record. Applicants must enter every class and every grade earned for the last three years, as well as those classes in progress. After completing the STARS Record, students will be directed back to the Penn State application to complete the Program of Study section, where they will indicate their desired starting semester, program of study, and campus locations.
The application also requires additional information, an activities resume, and a personal statement.
Read also: Understanding Penn State Requirements
Transfer Students
International transfer students must submit official high school transcripts to complete their application. However, they are exempt from completing the STARS Record for both their high school and college coursework.
Grade Verification
Students who have completed the STARS Record and are accepted to Penn State must provide an official transcript from grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 for grade verification purposes.
UAE-Penn State Partnerships and Initiatives
The relationship between the UAE and Penn State extends beyond individual students pursuing education. Several partnerships and initiatives foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Dickinson School of Law
One notable partnership exists between the UAE and Penn State's Dickinson School of Law. This collaboration likely involves academic exchanges, research collaborations, or joint programs aimed at promoting legal education and understanding.
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
While not directly at Penn State, the UAE also has partnerships with The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This connection could involve executive education programs, research collaborations, or other initiatives.
Read also: A Look at Penn State's Enrollment Numbers
Emirati Student Life and Contributions
Emirati students contribute to the Penn State community through their diverse perspectives and engagement in various activities.
Mohamed Alali: An Exemplary Student
Mohamed Alali, an international student from Abu Dhabi, UAE, exemplifies the dedication and ambition of Emirati students at Penn State. As a fifth-year student in the Architectural Engineering Program, Construction Management Option, Mohamed gained practical experience through an internship with Sorouh Real Estate, PJSC, in the UAE. During his internship, he performed Gross Floor Area (GFA) calculations. Mohamed's involvement extends beyond academics. While attending Penn State, Mohamed was one of the few people who founded the Emirati Student Union.
Challenges and Tragedies
While the Penn State-Emirati student connection is largely positive, it has also faced challenges and tragedies.
Ahmed Alqubaisi Case
The case of Ahmed Alqubaisi, a former Penn State student from the UAE, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior. Alqubaisi pleaded guilty to accidents involving death for the September killing of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre. Alqubaisi was sentenced to a maximum of 23 1/2 months in the county jail, followed by five years of probation. He was also in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and may be deported.
The incident involved Alqubaisi speeding and fatally striking Arnesson-Cronhamre, a Penn State doctoral student in architectural engineering, as she jogged. The case highlighted the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws.
Read also: Penn State Admission: Average ACT
Trends in Middle Eastern Student Enrollment
The enrollment of students from the Middle East in U.S. universities has undergone significant shifts in recent years. While the UAE remains a source of international students, broader trends reveal a complex picture.
Declining Enrollment from Some Countries
Across the Middle East, countries including Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are sending fewer students to the United States each year. Qatar’s almost 30% drop shows how vulnerable smaller Gulf states are to policy shifts or changing domestic opportunities.
Saudi Arabia's Changing Priorities
Saudi Arabia, once a leading sender of students abroad, has experienced a significant decline in enrollment. This shift is attributed to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative, which encourages Saudis to study at home and aligns scholarship funding with fields deemed essential by the government, such as engineering, healthcare, and AI.
Factors Influencing Student Destinations
Several factors influence the choices of Middle Eastern students when selecting universities abroad. Scholarships, diaspora connections, and the global reputation of an American degree remain key motivators. However, economic instability in some countries has led families to seek cheaper options in Europe or within the region.
The Role of Institutional Aid and Affordability
Institutional aid and affordability play a significant role for middle-class families seeking educational opportunities for their children. Universities that offer financial assistance and maintain reasonable tuition fees are more likely to attract students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Impact of Policy and Perception
The 2017 "Muslim ban" and subsequent "America First" rhetoric have had a negative impact on the perception of the United States as a welcoming destination for Middle Eastern students. Concerns about visa rejections, unpredictable policies, and feeling unwelcome have led some students and families to consider other options.
Rebuilding Trust and Opportunity
To regain its position as a leading destination for Middle Eastern students, the United States must focus on rebuilding trust, emphasizing safety, and demonstrating real opportunity. This includes addressing concerns about policy instability and promoting a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.
Key Institutions and Program Preferences
Despite the overall decline in enrollment from some countries, certain U.S. institutions continue to attract Middle Eastern students.
Penn State's Enduring Appeal
Penn State stands out as a popular choice, particularly for Emirati students. Its size, reputation, and strong alumni networks contribute to its appeal. Program strengths in engineering, agriculture, and business align with both scholarship directives and self-funded goals.
Other Popular Institutions
Other institutions that attract Middle Eastern students include Arizona State University, Boston University, Columbia University, and George Mason University. These universities offer a combination of academic excellence, program breadth, global city settings, and competitive costs.
Program Preferences
Middle Eastern students often pursue programs aligned with national development goals and career aspirations. Engineering, business, aviation, and aerospace are among the popular fields of study.
UAE Embassy Outreach
The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., actively engages in outreach efforts to strengthen ties between the UAE and various U.S. states.
Diplomatic Visits
UAE Embassy diplomats regularly visit different states to discuss economic diversification, promote business opportunities, and foster cultural exchange.
Promoting Trade and Investment
These visits aim to promote trade and investment between the UAE and individual states. The UAE seeks to establish partnerships with local businesses and highlight opportunities for collaboration.
Engaging with Students
UAE Embassy diplomats also engage with students at local schools and universities to discuss the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the UAE. These discussions often focus on key advances that Emirati innovators are making in fields such as renewable energy research.
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