Study for a Semester or Year in the UAE!
Institution
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah offers two opportunities for study abroad at the university: an Intensive Arabic Language program and a Middle Eastern Studies program. Either program can be accomplished during fall and spring terms or in the summer for an accelerated short term program of 6 weeks. While the language program focuses on acquiring written and spoken Arabic at an intensive beginner level, the Middle Eastern Studies program allows for studies in history, economic development, religion, culture and customs.
Location
The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), which is located in the beautiful northern part of the United Arab Emirates, is ideal in terms of location and traditional exposure. RAK boasts a picturesque locale with the sea, the desert, and the mountains. Here you will connect with a rich Arab cultural experience. RAK has a smaller town feel, which allows you to have a chance to meet both locals and other citizens of the world. And yet it is only an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai and 45 minutes to the country of Oman.
Academic Calendar
- Fall Semester: Mid August to Mid December
- Spring Semester: Mid January to Late May
For more information about the academic calendar please visit the
AURAK website.
Housing
AURAK provides to its students high quality student residences in coordination with its partner – EDRAK. The residence halls are located on the AURAK campus.
As AURAK is a partial exchange program students will pay the Partial Exchange Program Fee to Appalachian State. AURAK will cover the housing costs for students during the program. Students will be responsible for budgeting for their meals.
For more information about housing please visit AURAK’s accommodation web page.
Financial
Program Costs
Paid to Appalachian State
1The OIED Program Development Fee will be placed on students’ accounts upon acceptance by the Education Abroad Office. The fee payment confirms your spot and is non-refundable.
Estimated Additional Costs
| |
Semester |
Academic Year |
| Airfare |
$1200 - $1800 |
$1200 - $1800 |
| Meals |
$1800 - $2500 |
$3600 - $5000 |
| 1Personal Expenses |
$1000 - $1500 |
$2000 - $3000 |
| AURAK Activities Fee |
$140 |
$280 |
| Books and Materials |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
| Local Transportation |
$150 - $300 |
$300 - $600 |
| Visa (for US Citizens) |
$215 |
$215 |
| AURAK Medical Exam |
$230 |
$230 |
| Passport |
$150 |
$150 |
| 2US Based Health Insurance |
Varies |
Varies |
| 3Personal Travel and Spending |
$1000 - $1500 |
$2000 - $3000 |
1Personal expenses includes but is not limited to: toiletries, cell phone, emergency funds, laundry, clothing, utilities, basic travel and entertainment, etc.
2Students are encouraged to maintain a US based health insurance plan while abroad (to exempt out of AppState insurance students must follow the App exemption process - proving that they have insurance coverage for the entirety of the semester.
3Personal Travel and Spending amounts will vary by student and will be affected by how often a student goes out, travels, and the items they purchase.
Please note that non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.
Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. Please use the Student Financial Planning Worksheet to help estimate your anticipated expenses and your anticipated financial resources. When planning for estimated additional costs students are encouraged to research currency conversion rates. Please visit the AURAK website for additional information about living costs. To see a total of the estimated costs for this program please visit the program budget sheets: Fall, Spring, Academic Year.
Financial Aid
The majority of financial aid and scholarships can apply to semester and year-long study abroad programs. For more information please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid web page.
Scholarships
OIED Scholarships
Each semester OIED offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $2000.
Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program application is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Fund for Education Abroad
Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
For information about additional scholarships please visit our External Scholarships web page.
Academics
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah offers students the option of pursuing an Intensive Arabic Language program at the Beginner/Upper Beginner Level along with a Middle Eastern Studies program. Students are also able to select from courses from the regular AURAK academic program offerings.
All students are expected to maintain at least the equivalent of a full time course load according to Appalachian State and the host university while abroad (whichever is greater). Students participating on the AURAK program will be required to enroll in 15-18 credits per semester. For more information about study abroad enrollment policies, credit approval, and credit and grade conversions please visit the Academics section of our website.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the listed deadline. Each year applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer will open up on August 1st. Once open the deadline will be listed below and an Apply Now button will be available at the top and bottom of this page. Most applications will have a 2 part application process so students are encouraged to complete their OIED application well before the listed deadline.
For more information about deadlines and how to apply please visit our
Guide Me web page.