There's more to choosing a university than what you study

AUS guide features seven key factors for prospective students and their parents to consider

Builds on AUS' years of experience in guiding students through the university process

Developed in response to identified need among GCC parents and would-be students

Sharjah, UAE, November 26, 2012: Selecting a university is one of the most important decisions a young person will make in his or her life.  Every course and each university is different. Students require different elements that go towards making of a unique university experience. Since there is far more to choosing a university than the subject studied, American University of Sharjah (AUS), one of the world's top 500 universities, has developed and launched the region's first  'how to choose a university' eBook to guide prospective students and their parents through the labyrinth which is the start of the university process.

The eBook is available in English and Arabic as well as in audio file, as a free download from http://www.aus.edu/uniguide. The guide identifies seven key elements which must be considered when selecting a university in the MENA region and globally: including early application, academic accreditation, recruitment history, tuition fees, curriculum, location and global reputation; all of these factors contribute to a student's enjoyment of the experience, whether they succeed on their chosen course, their lasting memories of university life and their future career success.

"Having recently completed an AUS roadshow in Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan and having spent years talking to students, parents and school teachers in the region, it is clear that there is a real and pressing need for a concise document to support all parties when selecting a university, either locally or internationally," said Ali Shuhaimy, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at AUS.

According to the eBook, regional students have more opportunities today than ever to enroll in international universities for both international and local studies. However differentiating between these institutions and the value of a host of ranking and accreditation systems can be very confusing. The guide also highlights the strength of an institution's relationship with employers, a factor often overlooked by those considering a university.  The guide factors in the importance of cultural diversity and integration at university, an important issue in an increasingly interconnected world whilst highlighting the facilities that students from various countries should look for to ensure that they feel at home and can settle into their university experience.

International figures indicate that across the UK, the number of students dropping out of university increased from 28,210 to 31,755 last year - a rise of almost 13 per cent and figures across the US are equally high. Many factors have been implicated as the cause of these student drop-out rates; however, the overall level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction among students with respect to the institution they choose to study at, factors as the main reason behind their decision to leave. This highlights the vital importance and dedication which must be applied during the process of selecting a university by both the prospective student and their parents.     

"We place special emphasis not only on study but also on personal, social and cultural growth for any student, whether they chose AUS or another establishment which suits their own individual needs," added Shuhaimy. "We want students and parents to make the right university choices and wanted to assist students and their parents with what can be a complicated and puzzling process of selecting an institute for higher education. We appreciate that it can be a challenging time for all concerned and hope that with our free eBook, we are able to share our experience of the industry and help eliminate the obstacles which surround the process."

Shuhaimy added that around half of the 87 nationalities at AUS come from the MENA region, including the UAE, KSA and Jordan. "We pride ourselves in supporting these students and helping them integrate into the campus community. When compiling the guide, we considered both international and local scholars and believe it will bring some clarity to students to the method of selecting their future," he added.

The AUS eBook is available, in English and Arabic as well as in audio file, to download for free at www.aus.edu/uniguide. Follow AUS on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/wwwausedu  and twitter http://www.twitter.com/AUSharjah for frequent updates, tips and to ask any questions or advice from the admissions team or from existing AUS students.   

About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The university was envisaged by His Highness as a leading educational institution in the Gulf region.

Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, institution of higher education formed on the American model. It offers 26 majors and 54 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees through the College of Architecture, Art and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; and the School of Business and Management. These programs are designed to meet the challenges of a competitive and dynamic business and industrial environment.  

As a provider of quality higher education in the Gulf, AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates. AUS is accredited in the United States of America by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and by the Department of Education of the State of Delaware.

The bachelor of science programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering offered by the AUS College of Engineering are accredited by ABET, http://www.abet.org, of the United States. The Bachelor of Architecture program of the College of Architecture, Art and Design is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the United States. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) as well as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees offered by the School of Business and Management are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

AUS ranks among the world's top 500 universities according to London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), one of the world's most trusted university rankings.

For more information, please contact:
Miriam Kiwan
Director of Strategic Communications and Media
+971 6 515 1040
mkiwan@aus.edu

Nazzal Yousef
Director of Media Relations
+971 6 515 2157
nyousuf@aus.edu

© Press Release 2012