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Dubai

The financial district in Dubai, filled with skyscrapers and long roads.
A photo of a building-The American University of Dubai, a white building in front of a field.
A Dubai waterfront with lots of skyscrapers and boats in the harbor.

Apply to this Program

Background

The U.A.E has seven Emirates each with their own laws, cultures, landscapes, traditions, and a Sheikh, which is a respectful term meaning elder or leader. Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate and capital city. The second largest Emirate, Dubai, features a modern, glitzy city, the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), seven star hotels such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Islands, incredible malls and fountains. Dubai is one the world’s most vibrant tourist and business destinations. With it’s year round sunshine and luxurious lifestyle, Dubai continues to impress with world class events such as annual Dubai shopping festival, Dubai International Film festival, Dubai World cup and Dubai Desert Classic Golf tournament.

Students will attend The American University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E). Founded in 1995, the school is strategically situated next to Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet city. American University of Dubai (AUD) is committed to providing a world class education that prepares students academically, personally and professionally for successful careers in their chosen fields. AUD values cultural diversity and embraces liberal education as the context within which it provides students with a 360-degree whole-person education. The faculty members have a passion for excellence in teaching which occur in small class sizes. All academic buildings are equipped with the latest technology and cater to the needs of the academic programs.

Choosing When to Study in Dubai

This is a one-semester program for the fall or the spring semester.

  • Fall runs from the end of August to mid-December.
  • The spring semester runs from the beginning of January to the beginning of May.
Academics
  • This program serves students in nearly all majors.
  • This program also suits Engineering and. Accounting students.
  • Most upper level core courses are available.
  • Students must take at least one course in Middle Eastern studies (MEST) from any discipline.
  • Fall registration begins in May/June and for Spring in October/November.
  • Students can finalize their schedules in Dubai during drop/add period.
  • Student will take 5, 3 credit courses.
  • Optional- Earn Certificate in Middle Eastern studies (18 credits).
Benefits
  • Roundtrip airfare from US to Dubai
  • Several planned trips throughout the semester by students services
  • On-site Orientation
  • Housing on campus
  • Full time onsite support
  • Students are encouraged to apply for the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship

  • Local insurance provided by AUD

*Meal plans for this program are not available.

Course Information

Students will experience a similar class setting to Loyola (small seminar-style classes). However, students must be prepared for a more independent semester and typically grades consist of a midterm and final exam only. Most classes take place in the classrooms.

Housing

All students live in shared rooms at the AUD dorms. There are 4 dorms- 2 male and 2 female and are all non-smoking and alcohol free.

  • Students live with Emiratis and other international students.
  • Each dorm has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, laundry room, study area, TV lounge , gym, free WI-FI, and RA's.
  • The dorms have 24- hour security.
  • All dorms are non-smoking and alcohol free.
Cost

Loyola financial aid applies and students are eligible for consideration for all forms of federal, state, institutional and private sources of aid except the Federal Work Study Program. Students studying abroad for either a semester or full academic year will forfeit the value of a Federal Work-Study assignment for the semester/s that they go abroad. If the student qualifies for federal work study, they can use the award for the semester they are on campus during their abroad year.

If you receive GI/Veterans benefits, please contact our Registrar’s office as soon as possible before you apply!!

Students/parents pay to Loyola the following charges:

  • Loyola Tuition
  • Loyola Housing
  • Study Abroad Program fee
  • International Insurance Premium
Insurance

LUM students receive International Health Insurance Coverage. 

Medical insurance is also provided for all students during the program term by Loyola University Maryland through Chubb Insurance. This insurance coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as 24-hour support services for medical issues. This insurance functions as a primary insurance while abroad.

Students are required to submit a copy of their U.S. health insurance card/policy. Please be sure not to cancel your US insurance policy while abroad since the provided insurances only function while on program and outside of the US.

Money and Banking

Once accepted into the program, students must call their bank and credit card carriers to tell them that they will be abroad for the semester. Students should carry debit or credit cards with them. Both Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted forms of payment, Discover and AmEx are less commonly accepted. Cash in Europe is also widely utilized. 

Visa
LUM students apply for their visa upon arrival. 
Travel to and from Dubai  

Group flights are arranged for students traveling to Dubai (program requires an airfare supplemental fee). 

Criteria for Applying

Application Requirements 

Students must submit an online application AND a Course Planning form by 11:59 pm on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving break of their sophomore year to study abroad in the fall or spring term of junior year. 

  • Attend a Study Abroad 101 information session.
  • Declare a major before applying to the study abroad program.
  • Discuss with your major advisor the possible courses you could take abroad and see if there are any potential problems, he/she sees with your plans to study abroad; Students cannot be on disciplinary probation nor have a history of serious disciplinary problems.

Criteria for Acceptance

    • Minimum cumulative CQPA average of 3.00.
    • Students who can find courses which fit their Loyola program and allow full-time participation and who are neither on disciplinary probation nor have a history of serious disciplinary problems.
    • ROTC candidates can apply as freshman to study abroad in the spring of their sophomore year. 
    • An academic interview with the program coordinator at Loyola University Maryland is required.

*Please keep in mind that study abroad information, dates, benefits, and fees are subject to change without notification. You are encouraged to contact the Office of International Programs directly for the most up-to-date information regarding any study abroad programs offered at Loyola.

*Disclaimer: In case of strikes or unexpected disruption to the academic semester Loyola University will work with the host university abroad to provide additional support or other academic arrangements to enable students to complete their coursework in agreement with the rules and regulations of the host university and the laws of the host country. Loyola University Maryland will not makes any changes to its course, grade, or credit transfer policies following such circumstances.

Apply to this Program

Nearly all.

Engineering and Accounting courses available

Courses suited for nearly all majors

  • CQPA Minimum-2.75

Contact the Program Director, Naomi Githae

Naomi Githae, program Director standing in front of the ocean
M-F 9-4:30
Make an appointment to talk about Dubai

 

Contact Us

Phone: 410-617-2910
Office: Humanities 132
Email: international@loyola.edu

Additional contact information

Apply

In order to apply, students must attend a study abroad 101 session and at least one program specific information session before the application deadline. The application deadline for all Fall, Spring, and year-long opportunities during academic year 2025-26 is December 4, 2024.