Pre-departure Orientation for Abu Dhabi Police Scholarship Students

On July 29, 2012, U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin participated in the Abu Dhabi EducationUSA pre-departure briefing for the initial group of recipients of the 2012 Abu Dhabi Police Scholarship program. The students are traveling to the United States to pursue fully funded graduate and undergraduate degrees in various fields of security and police sciences.

Ambassador Corbin addressed the students, congratulating them on their academic success to date and encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity to experience the U.S.  He talked about this valuable opportunity to learn about U.S. culture and society, form new friendships, and inform their fellow American students about the UAE.  Ambassador Corbin highlighted the role these students would play in the development of their country once they graduate.

Following the Ambassador’s remarks Senior EducationUSA Advisor Nadia Ibrahim conducted an orientation that covered several issues including U.S. culture and society, practical tips for preparing to travel, port of entry procedures, campus life in the U.S. and adjusting to a new environment.  In addition, students watched the Embassy-produced video “Gulf Students in the U.S.”

Helping Emirati students succeed at American colleges and universities is an important part of the U.S. Embassy’s mission in the UAE.  As part of that process, through the worldwide EducationUSA program, the U.S. Embassy provides a wide range of services for students seeking to study in the United States, including educational advising at both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.