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Community-based Global Learning

Recognizing its civic and social responsibility as an institution of higher education, NYUAD strives to be a vibrant and dynamic contributor of knowledge, resources, and skills to the communities of which it becomes a part. It is equally committed to listening and learning from the expertise and insight of the different communities with which it engages.

With a diverse tapestry of cultures, the UAE is one of the most international countries in the world – a living representation of global cooperation and celebration. With dozens of courses taking place within various locations in the country, the local experiences serve as a curricular and pedagogical laboratory led by exceptionally talented faculty. The highly curated courses have students bring theory to practice through extensive research, field work, and artistic production in the real world. They learn to “read” the natural and human landscapes of the UAE, region, and the world as a critical text for their classes. 

182

Courses

652

Engagements

2682

Students

Watch students, faculty, and guest speakers experiences of Community-based Learning in NYUAD's J-Term program.

Field Visits in the UAE as part of Community-based Global Learning

  • Sir Bani Yas Island

    Sir Bani Yas Island

    A music class collaborates with the national park to record animal sounds.

  • Delma Island

    Delma Island

    NYUAD and Zayed University students do archaeological fieldwork as part of a heritage course.

  • Marawah Island

    Marawah Island

    A chemistry class partners with the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency to conduct water sampling and analysis.

  • Saadiyat Island

    Saadiyat Island

    The Minister of Food Security in the UAE gives a guest lecture to a class on Life Science and Sustainability at NYUAD.

  • Al Ain

    Al Ain

    One of the most immersive experiences at NYUAD — a three-week course in the Emirati Arabic Dialect in the city of Al Ain. 

Exciting UAE-based Learning Experiences at NYU Abu Dhabi

Arabia Felix, The Imagined Land of Happiness

 In this seminar taught by William Zimmerle, students explored the idea of Arabia Felix inside Abu Dhabi, where oil has developed a prosperous cultural-heritage, religiously tolerant, ecotourism landscape. 

Art Markets

While students will learn about global art patrons, Associate Professor of Art History Cheryl Finley will direct student's focus on the creation of art markets in the Middle East in the 20th and 21st Century.

A 21st Century Hub for Finance, Trade and Energy

Taught by John Deftarious, the former CNN Business emerging markets editor, this course explored aspirations to go beyond being an oil exporter to the world and augment a greater role for the broader MENA region.