From Dubai to Canada: Our University Experience

Transfer programs can offer unmatched opportunities to experience a new culture, meet new people, grow as a person, and earn an internationally recognized degree.

That was certainly the case for Canadian University Dubai (CUD) graduates Faraz and Hasnain, as well as current student Bhaanvi.

Canadian University Dubai offers an education based on the Canadian curriculum, allowing students to begin their degree in the heart of Dubai at CUD and then transfer to one of its Canadian or international partner universities to graduate.

We spoke with Faraz, Hasnain, and Bhaanvi to learn more about their study experiences in Dubai and Canada.

First impressions

Faraz was born in Pakistan but grew up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He always knew he wanted to pursue his undergraduate degree outside the UAE. When he was finishing high school, he and his parents looked into CUD and the opportunity to transfer to Canada.

He said, "Naturally, we felt CUD was the right choice because it offered not only a gateway to Canada, but also an international education."

Faraz studied Business Administration and transferred to Brock University in Ontario in 2015. Having never visited Canada before, he was not quite sure what to expect, even down to the weather.

He said, "I distinctly remember stepping out of the airport and thinking how pleasant the weather was. On a deeper level, I was excited and thrilled about what was to come, and about the next chapter of my journey.

"Over time, I became more and more comfortable in this new country I found myself in."

Fellow graduate Hasnain transferred to York University, also in Ontario. Like Faraz, he remembers being excited, but what stands out most in his memory is the warmth and friendliness of the locals.

He said, "I was very excited, but nervous at the same time! It was a new place with new people from different cultural backgrounds, and I didn't know anyone yet.

"I went during winter, which made the experience even tougher. But people were really kind, and they could tell whether you were lost or needed something helpful. People were happy to assist you with anything, which made the journey much more comfortable."

Comparing studies in Dubai and Canada

Studying at another university can be different from the teaching style you are used to, especially if it is your first time studying abroad. But it is a great opportunity to experience different ways of teaching and learning, and to immerse yourself in a new academic environment.

Faraz felt that the first half of his studies at CUD prepared him well for studying in Canada.

Faraz said, "When I transferred to Brock University, it became slightly more challenging and demanding academically, however that was largely because in the second half of my Business Administration degree I had already started specializing in Finance.

"I had a hard time having any expectations about education in Canada, mainly because I did not know what exactly this transition would bring. It was refreshing to see and engage in the various extracurricular clubs and activities on campus."

Hasnain found that the teaching approach and curriculum at each university complemented each other well.

He said, "Studying in Dubai was challenging because it was the first time I had ever majored in Computer Science. The professors at CUD were highly professional in helping and supporting students.

"In Canada, you get access to many practical resources needed to join the workforce there."

Originally, Bhaanvi was supposed to transfer to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) last year, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, she was unable to travel as planned. She hopes to transfer this fall.

In the meantime, Bhaanvi has been able to attend classes virtually, which she says has been interesting and has allowed her to meet new people along the way.

Making lifelong friends and having new experiences

One of the main benefits and attractions of transferring is the people you meet, some of whom may become lifelong friends, as well as the chance to experience different cultures and perspectives.

Although Bhaanvi has not yet had the chance to study in Canada, she did take part in the student council and various other extracurricular activities during her time at CUD. She says this helped her realize that university is about more than just studying.

"For years, I was just focused on being a nerd and acing my exams.

"It is always important to balance things in life. I met some amazing friends at CUD and made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Support whenever and wherever it is needed

The prospect of transferring to another university in another country is exciting, but it can also be intimidating and stressful. Fortunately, for Faraz, Hasnain, and Bhaanvi, help was available whenever and wherever they needed it.

Faraz said, "A transfer coordinator at CUD provided all the necessary information to successfully complete the transfer process to Brock. In addition to taking the mystery out of the whole process, they also assisted with university applications.

"In fact, CUD has built relationships with universities in Canada that allow students to transfer their credits abroad, which made all of this possible in the first place."

Bhaanvi agreed. "CUD supported me in every way. My transfer coordinator guided me throughout the process. From helping me choose transferable courses at CUD to shortlisting and applying to universities, they supported me every step of the way.

"The registrar's office sent all my documents to the universities on time and made sure I did not miss any deadlines."

Words of wisdom

Faraz, Hasnain, and Bhaanvi all agree that the opportunity to pursue a degree at two universities is an exciting, challenging, and life-changing one. For future students who may be looking for a similar opportunity, they offered a few final words of advice.

"If, taking your circumstances into account, it is a viable option, I would strongly recommend it. I think it is an incomparable investment that will pay dividends for the rest of your life. However, that is only true if you truly take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you and make the most of your international education," said Faraz.

Bhaanvi and Hasnain agreed.

Bhaanvi said, "I would say, 'Go for it!' Stepping out of your comfort zone may seem like a difficult decision. Leaving your friends and family is not easy, and applying to university can be a tough process. However, CUD students are lucky because we are guided throughout the entire process, and our transition from CUD to Canadian universities has been an amazing experience.

"Going to a new country, meeting new people, and learning from professors with different teaching styles is a completely wonderful experience."

Hasnain said, "Be ready to learn and explore. While pursuing your main program of study, you need to have a passion for learning different things as well. At the same time, explore different paths in your current journey. Take part in university competitions that can help you succeed in the future. That will give you an edge and help you stand out in your field."