JEDDAH: Academics and education experts have lauded the Jeddah Community College's (JCC) initiative to offer expatriate students an opportunity to study in the Kingdom.
Starting in September, expatriates will be able to study at the college for associate degrees from King Abdulaziz University (KAU).
Located in the Rehab district, JCC will offer eight evening associate programs for expatriates and working professionals, including marketing, sales, accounting, insurance, computer network, computer graphics, e-commerce and pharmacy.
These programs will be taught entirely in English with the exception of the sales program, which will be in Arabic.
"Many families are faced with a dilemma when they have to send their children away for higher studies. Now, not only will they be able to support and encourage their children, they will also be able to significantly reduce their financial burden," said Dr. Mairaj Salim, assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University.
"I look forward to seeing more and more such opportunities for students to pursue higher education in the Kingdom," he added.
Students will be able to obtain a three-year associate degree from KAU in two years, provided they clear the Exemption Exam for English, which reduces the three-year period by one year.
Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of the International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), described the fee structure as "affordable".
"However, the expatriate community's response to the programs offered will depend on their acceptability in the job market and the scope for further studies back home and abroad," he said.
Ahmed hopes the college will introduce professional courses as well. "Besides its educational significance, this venture will strengthen social and cultural interaction between the communities," he said.
KAU will select only 200 male students who have completed or will be completing their grade 12 exams or higher secondary exams or A Level exams. Working professionals may also join the evening programs. Selection will be strictly on merit basis.
The cost per semester is SR8,000 and the net cost of four semesters is SR32,000. Students can apply for a fee reduction of up to SR16,000, and application forms can be downloaded from the JCC website (jcc.kau.edu.sa).
© Arab News 2010
