Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) on Monday launched a programme that ensures the emirate's scholarship students arrive at universities abroad fully prepared and ready to represent the UAE with confidence.
ADEK has revamped its annual Pre-Departure Programme into a comprehensive readiness model that guides students at every stage of their international academic journey.
Now called the Onboarding and Readiness Accelerator Programme, the initiative builds practical life skills, strengthens national identity and global citizenship, promotes wellbeing and resilience, and sharpens safety awareness and responsible representation.
Speaking to Aletihad, Fatima Alfoulathi, Acting Executive Director for Higher Education at ADEK, said the programme goes beyond preparing students academically for university.
"The importance of the Onboarding and Readiness Accelerator Program lies in its holistic approach to the scholarship journey," she said.
The programme addresses the practical realities of everyday life abroad. It equips students to make informed decisions — from budgeting to time management — and helps them stay safe, adapt to new environments, and navigate everyday challenges, Alfoulathi said.
"[It also] strengthens students' connection to their Emirati identity and values, enabling them to represent the UAE with pride and responsibility wherever they go."
The ultimate goal, she added, is to ensure every student begins their journey "academically and personally prepared".
Developed with 19 government and industry partners, international embassies, and a network of alumni and specialists, the programme offers support before departure, during the transition abroad, and throughout students' academic careers.
Two Weeks of Intensive Preparation
The programme opens with two weeks of in-person preparation before students leave the UAE. During this phase, they will build the skills and confidence needed for independent living and international study.
Through workshops, mentoring, simulations, and hands-on exercises, students develop cultural awareness, financial literacy, time management, and problem-solving skills.
One key session tackles cybersecurity, reflecting the digital risks that come with studying abroad. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said the session covers cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and cyber warfare, while reinforcing students' connection to the UAE's values and cultural identity.
"The knowledge they gain will help protect themselves and contribute to safeguarding the nation's security as the future generation entrusted with carrying its flag," Dr Al Kuwaiti said.
Family Support
Families are engaged as key partners through dedicated sessions designed to support students' transition and keep them connected throughout the study period abroad.
Beyond the first year, the young Emiraties will continue to receive structured support - dedicated advisers; guidance at key academic milestones; internship opportunities through a network of more than 200 industry partners; and post-graduation career support to help translate their international experience into opportunities across Abu Dhabi's priority sectors.
Graduates Look Back
Former scholars say the guidance made a lasting difference. Mustafa Al Ameri, a University of Manchester graduate in Sustainable Environmental Sciences, lauded how ADEK advisers stayed in touch and offered continuous support throughout his time in the UK.
"The workshops meant we arrived knowing exactly where to find reliable information and how to complete all the essential procedures from day one," he said, referring to the previous Pre-Departure Programme.
Saif Salem Bafaraj, a Pennsylvania State University graduate in Data Science who went through the same sessions, said the programme prepared students for situations they might never have anticipated.
"The programme supported us every step of the way," he said. "From the very beginning, we received guidance on everything - from applying for visas and preparing to live in a new country to understanding how to adapt to a different society and its laws. It helped us know what to expect before travelling."
Raghad Al Hammadi, who earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Resources Management from Pennsylvania State University, said the programme gave her confidence throughout her studies.
"It gave me clarity, prepared me for what to expect, and reassured me that I would always have support," she said.
