NAFSA 2012

The UAE Cultural Division in Washington, D.C. is constantly working on building partnerships and enhancing relationship with universities to better serve its students.  Therefore, several academic advisors participated in the Association of International Educators (formerly National Association of Foreign Student Advisers) held in Houston, Texas, May 27-June 1, 2012 with approximately 8,500 educational professionals in attendance.

As in the past, the Cultural Division worked with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Cultural Offices in planning and setting up the GCC booth where countless individuals stopped by to inquire about the UAE culture, education, and tourism.  In particular, much interest was shown in exploring the possibility of establishing partnerships and exchange programs between UAE and US educational institutions, and improving the ability to meet the needs of UAE students.

The Cultural Division representatives attended professional development workshops, such as, Current SEVIS I and II Issues; Muslim Students in Academic Life: Expectations, Challenges, and Networking; U.S. Visa Delays and Denials: What’s an International Adviser to Do? Medical Health Crisis Management; etc.

Finally, the Cultural Division representatives also participated in a Poster Fair, which was organized by EducationUSA.  Through this venue, which drew many visitors, they were able to provide engaging and interesting information about education in the UAE.

NAFSA 2013 Annual Conference & Expo will be held next year in St. Louis, Missouri, May 26-31.