Blog 7 At Foreign Schools in the Gulf, a More Local Push

At Foreign Schools in the Gulf, a More Local Push

 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/world/middleeast/18iht-educlede18.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=internationaleducation

In Dubai, a university is described and the complex, which houses the local campuses of eight Western universities, is spread over 14 square kilometers, or 5.4 square miles. Founded in 2001 by a government rich with oil and natural gas money, it was meant to bring big-name Western education to the Gulf. However, some analysts say that the universities locally financed but serving student bodies that are still dominated by foreigners, seem like bubbles cut off from Gulf culture and society. They argue that the universities are not linked to the cultural or social themes of their immediate environments, and have a responsibility to do so.  The idea of being cosmopolitan is romanticized and if not enough attention is given to these universities, the repercussions will be serious. It will create generations of Emiratis or Qataris who are very well educated but are disconnected from their country. Many US schools have lined up to partner with these Qatari branches. But these institutions realize that simply importing a Western education system is not enough: They have to ensure that Qatari and Emirati students fit in culturally and academically. A problem with this is that many local high school students are not qualified to be admitted into elite universities right away. To bridge the gap, overseas campuses have resorted to using conditional admissions, bridge programs or foundation years to help local students catch up. Local citizens make up about a third of the student body at the Gulf campuses of Georgetown and the Sorbonne, so supporters of the school understand that they want to maintain standards without dropping to a low percentage of Qataris or having no link to society. There is concern about the bridge programs though mentioned earlier. They are not a long term solution and universities have acknowledged that even an effective full-year program will not be able to address fully the gaps left by below-par K-12 education. All the universities at Education City in Doha use the same outside provider for additional coursework: the Academic Bridge Program, founded by the Qatar Foundation. “If these institutions engage seriously in making less euro-centric programs and incorporating Indian philosophy, Islamic science, Arabic literature and Chinese art, we’ll have diversity and original research at a level that truly raises global standards” stated by Mr. Fahmy, a professor and chair of the history department at the American University of Cairo.

                I think what these supporters are trying to do is a great idea. They are not simply wanting to plant American institutions in the Middle East and adapt to what is already there. Rather they want to have faculty and students that are involved in the local culture and society’s needs. This is a chance for large numbers of people to come visit a different part of the world and obtain an education and have an experience unlike any other. I do think, like others mentioned in the article that it is important for students to acknowledge their environment around them and take part in learning and experiencing the culture, history, language, all aspects of the society. Local citizens are helping to fund the universities so I think it’s only fair that students see what the universities are about and learn about the Middle East. Another point I saw that was valid in my opinion was the bridge programs that would help some students help catch up to others. I can see where these programs are good because it doesn’t stop students who aren’t good test takers from getting a degree. A student is not forever denied the opportunity to get a good education and develop.  However, I do see how people say this isn’t a long term solution because this one year long program is supposed to fill the gap left by below par k-12 institutions. I do think the bridge programs are a step in the right direction though and students are getting a great opportunity by being enrolled at these universities. By doing this, we are raising global standards and as a result, we are producing individuals that are intelligent and better culturally aware. The opportunity for the many benefits of adapting core curriculums to local environments is endless. 

Leslie Belk 

3/22/13 2:40 pm