study abroad uae ciee
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summer in Abu Dhabi

Study Program

Dates

-

6 weeks

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

6 weeks

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Your Summer in Abu Dhabi program lasts 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks) and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in 黑料网911courses and online courses taught through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Emirati culture. Live and learn in Abu Dhabi!

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI

WHICH HOUSES A RICH COLLECTION OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS

VOLUNTEER WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO HELP PLANT TREES

AND IMPROVE THE URBAN AFFORESTATION CAMPAIGN IN THE CITY

TOUR THE ABRAHAMIC FAMILY HOUSE

THAT HOUSES THE WORSHIPPING HOUSES FOR THE THREE MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS

Experience
  • abu dhabi skyline

The Destination

Abu Dhabi is the dynamic, forward-looking capital of the United Arab Emirates, known for its striking blend of tradition and innovation, modern architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Summer in Abu Dhabi

offers warm evenings perfect for exploring the city鈥檚 vibrant arts scene, scenic waterfronts, and world-class attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. From bustling souks to futuristic skyscrapers, the city provides a unique and immersive setting for global learning. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Abu Dhabi is the ideal place to study abroad while experiencing one of the Middle East鈥檚 most inspiring and transformative cities.

study abroad in abu dhabi skyscrapers

Program Highlights

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Spend one or two consecutive 6-week blocks in the same host city or travel between cities for a comparative cultural experience.
  • Academic Courses: Choose from 黑料网911courses and online courses delivered by CIEE鈥檚 global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Activities: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Abu Dhabi

Excursions & Activities

CIEE鈥檚 excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore United Arab Emirates鈥檚 rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

  • Discover the history of Abu Dhabi at Qasr Al Hosn, a historic fort and cultural landmark
  • Explore the National Aquarium in Al Qana, the largest aquarium in the Middle East
  • Experience the Aladdin walking tour while enjoying Arabic coffee and other tastings in the city of Dubai

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ABU DHABI

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT A dish deeply rooted in Emirati tradition, Al Harees is a must-try while in Abu Dhabi. Made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt... keep reading

From CIEE

5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Seeking a distinctive abroad experience? Look no further than Abu Dhabi, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The capital of the United Arab Emirates promises an unparalleled... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

黑料网911Abu Dhabi: Study in Abu Dhabi, a global city where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. From futuristic skyscrapers to bustling souks and serene desert landscapes, experience the unique blend of heritage and progress that defines this Middle Eastern hub.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by 黑料网911in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the 黑料网911academic calendar.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed .

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Summer in Abu Dhabi students enroll in two courses per block, choosing from:

  • 黑料网911Courses
  • ASU online courses

Program Credit

  • One Block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits
  • Two Blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • 黑料网911Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Each 黑料网911course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lectures, group work, and discussions with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Abu Dhabi when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends between blocks.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You鈥檒l receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

黑料网911classes are for 黑料网911students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

ASU online courses meet in 鈥渟essions鈥 that are 6-weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other 黑料网911courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In 黑料网911courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. 鈥淧ass/fail鈥 or 鈥淎udit鈥 is not allowed for 黑料网911students.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 黑料网911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 黑料网911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 黑料网911and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 黑料网911sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

黑料网911offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • 黑料网911Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the 黑料网911Scholarships & Grants application within your 黑料网911program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer Block I 2026 6 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2026 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $14,900
Program Summer Block II 2026 6 weeks Start Date End Date

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

黑料网911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Program Fees

黑料网911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300
Educational Costs $9,700 *
Housing $4,700 **
Insurance $200
Total Fees $14,900

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

**Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

Program Fees

黑料网911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 黑料网911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

黑料网911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

黑料网911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah. Ph.D.

Regional Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East

Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi has a PhD from the College of Education of the University of Ghana.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here鈥檚 what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info