guide

Studying abroad can be an immensely rewarding life experience and the United Arab Emirates has become an increasingly popular destination for such an undertaking. As well as offering excellent weather, beautiful scenery and the potential for tax-free earnings, the country also boasts a number of academic institutions.

Several of the country's universities, have both international and UAE accreditation, making them an excellent choice for UK students. In addition, multiple universities, such as the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, have earned a spot in the QS World University Rankings.

Here is some key information you will need before enrolling on a course in the United Arab Emirates.

About the UAE

As a country, the United Arab Emirates was established in its current form in 1971. Sharing borders with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar and Iran, it is a federation made up of seven different principalities, known as emirates. The two largest of these are Abu Dhabi, which is the country's capital, and Dubai, which is its largest city.

If you've just arrived in the Big Smoke ready to get studying in September, why not make the most of your summer with these wonderful events going on throughout the capital?

Wimbledon

Great British traditions don't come much bigger than Wimbledon, the fourth annual grand slam tennis event that's been going on since 1877. While you're watching some of our most famous tennis players such as Andy Murray battle it out for that all important championship prize, why not hedge your bets to make the games even more exciting?

Another tradition that you can't miss out on while you're at Wimbledon is strawberries and cream. It's estimated that approximately 28,000 kg of strawberries are sold over the Wimbledon fortnight, with over 7,000 litres of cream, so make sure you're one of the lucky ones who gets to indulge.

Wimbledon is also a hotspot for celebrity visitors, including our very own Royal Family - indeed, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge attend without fail every year. If you're a royals fan, make sure you take your camera to this prestigious event, which takes place this year from Monday 23rd June until Sunday 6th July.

The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating area to visit, proudly proclaiming its glamorous cities and spending culture whilst retaining a deep sense of Bedouin heritage and Muslim traditions. Though the federation states' reputation is based mainly on the deluxe hotels of Dubai and the big business of Abu Dhabi, as a student you can still get more for your money with cheaper airfares, free short-term visas and plenty of hostels for those on a budget. With this in mind, here are a few tips on how to plan your UAE trip.

As far as entry requirements go, your standard, 30-day tourist visa is fairly straightforward for UK citizens and free, though these can also be extended for another 30 days for a fee. If you decide to look for employment, probationary, 3-month visas are available once you're here but make sure you don't breach any deadlines to avoid hefty fines. If you are of a different nationality it is best to check what the restrictions are before you travel, for example many will not have to apply for a visa in advance but others will, dependent upon which part of the world you are from. Find out more about the restrictions here.

Erik Redli is a university graduate from Slovakia who is currently living in London. In the second of a two-part article, he looks at the things he initially found most unusual and different about London. You can read part one here.

On Weekdays the City Belongs to Tourists

Once I went for a night out on a Monday. Together with my Mexican roommate, we headed for the local Walkabout (a chain of bars in London). We did not expect many people there, it was a Monday. However, we had to wait in a queue for 45 minutes, such was the crowd.

At the weekend this multiplies as the tourists are joined by the local residents. On a Friday, locals seem to call it a day around 4pm and in the evening you can see them hanging around the pubs and bars. I like the way they rest their glasses of beer on the street lamps while immersed in lively discussions. Some of them blow a lot of money, and once I even found £10 on the street.