Oman/UAE: Language, Culture and Business in Oman and Dubai
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is for the 2018 program. Updated 2020 program information will be available in summer 2019. Program details may be similar, but are subject to change.
Ibri, Oman & Dubai, United Arab Emirates — This program will introduce students to the language, culture and business practices of Oman and the UAE (Dubai). Oman and the UAE are Middle Eastern countries known for their peacefulness, modernity, hospitality and openness. As members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, they share many features of global economic development, but have also retained their traditional heritage and character. Students will be immersed in Arabic culture and language, contrasting the modern and traditional aspects of the Middle East. They will also experience how business is done in these two Middle Eastern countries and how traditional culture influences business and the business environment.
Program Dates and Application Deadline
(4.5 weeks)
*Disclaimer: Program dates for 2020 may slightly differ from dates provided
2020 Program information will be available in August 2019
Courses

Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
ARA 386: Arabic through Culture and Customs (3 credits)
And any of these three courses:
ARA 185: Spoken and Written Arabic in the Gulf (3 credits)
OR
ARA 285: Colloquial and Media Arabic (3 credits)
OR
BUS 301: International Business and Culture in Oman and Dubai (3 credits)
*
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives. Completely
fulfills General Education Issues course requirement only if
students take ARA 386 and BUS 301
*Reflection required
Language of Instruction: Arabic and English
Housing
Students will live in apartments and hotels.
Cost and Scholarships

2020 Program information will be available in August 2019
2018 PROGRAM COST:
Program Fee: $4,483
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids
- Accommodation
- Most meals
- Field trips and entrance fees
- All ground transportation
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition ($3,150)
- Personal expenses ($500)
- Passport ($140)
- ISIC card (Optional) ($28)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses): $8,301
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
SEIDMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP (Award varies): Apply online using GVSU MyScholarships: https://gvsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/3103
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad. MyScholarships: https://gvsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/10186
Visit www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/scholarships for additional information on grants and scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility

Open to ALL majors.
2.0 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
Already Applied
CDC Report
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US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
Contact Information
"Experiencing the culture of the Middle East " -Alita Reneau

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