Abu Dhabi isn’t the most obvious place to spend your university years. There are astronomical living costs to contend with, bookshops are few and far between, and, with public drunkenness highly illegal, stereotypical student behaviour is not to be encouraged.
Whittled down from a colossal 9,000 applicants, the 150 students who kicked off their classes at New York University’s new Abu Dhabi campus last week are among the brightest young minds on the face of the globe. So why did they choose the UAE capital? How are they adjusting to their new surroundings? And how are they coping with the pressure of joining the city’s academic elite? We went along to a pre-term event to find out.
Juan-Felipe Beltran, 19, from Santiago, Chile
‘At first I thought life in Abu Dhabi was going to be quite restricted. But the more research I did, the more I realised it’s a very open emirate. There is a lot to do here, so I’m going to get involved in as many social activities as I can. I’m a theatre person, so I’m going to look into any acting opportunities. I’m also a guitar player, and I love music, so if there’s a music appreciation society or any bands, I’d be interested in that too. To be selected feels great. It’s kind of a rollercoaster of self-esteem. I’m kind of like, “Wow, I must be really good if I got accepted,” but then everyone else here is more or less a genius, so I worry about measuring up. My pipe dream is following in the path of Oliver Sacks, a neurological anthropologist, dealing with the effect of music on the brain.’
Laith Aqel, 18, from New Jersey, USA
‘I was born in Jordan and I’m originally Palestinian, but I moved to the States when I was two years old, so I identify most with American culture. Without a doubt, education here differs from a typical American college experience, but, then again, that’s why I came here. The biggest attraction of studying in Abu Dhabi is the people. Both students and faculty members – there’s such diverse backgrounds and a real passion for knowledge. While not studying, I look forward to all the cultural experiences the city has to offer – the art, the history of the region. I’ll definitely be getting involved with sporting activities too, since many of the sports here aren’t played in American colleges. Maybe I can even bring them back to the States to teach my friends.’
Charlotte Wang, 18, from Minnesota, USA
‘This is a completely new culture for me and it’s the first time I’ve ever stayed in the Middle East. I’m really excited about my classes because we have a world-class faculty, but the thought of exploring this new city is just as exciting. I’m looking into going into a career in environmental policy, but I’m not sure how that’s going to work out with majors yet. I haven’t decided if I’ll stay in the UAE after I graduate; I’ll go wherever my career takes me. I’ve been really lucky to get a place here, so now I feel like I have this big responsibility. I’ve only been in town a few days, but I’ve heard the exhibition on Islamic Embroidery at the Emirates Palace is really good, so I want to check that out. I’m also keen to discover more music from around the area, which I’m sure will be different from what I’m used to.’
Reading done for the week?
Keep busy with our quick-fire student guide
Always sound clever
Check out permanent exhibition ‘The Saadiyat Story’ at the Manarat Al Saadiyat gallery to learn all about the city’s proposed cultural district. Top inspiration for post-lecture conversation.
Manarat Al Saadiyat. Open daily 10am-8pm (02 406 1400).
Break the ice
The InterContinental’s Belgian Café is offering free drinks for ladies every Saturday from 5pm-11pm. Befriend one of your classmates if you’re lacking the necessary chromosomes.
Belgian Café. Open daily 5pm-1am (02 666 6888).
Write home for free
Landlord a bit sluggish sorting out your broadband? There’s free wi-fi in all the public areas of Emirates Palace, meaning you’ve no excuse for not emailing the folks. Other than simply hating them.
Emirates Palace (02 690 9000).
Pat a nice camel
Your Facebook pals will be expecting a shot of you with one of the humped beasts. There’s one living at the Heritage Village near Marina Mall, so take your camera.
Corniche Road, Ras Al Akhdar (02 681 4455).
