Quarter in Abu Dhabi
Unique Experiences
Visit Zayed National Museum
to explore the life, values, and vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
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
Your Destination
Abu Dhabi is the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates, where deep cultural traditions meet bold modern vision. From iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi to stunning waterfronts, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, Abu Dhabi offers countless opportunities for exploration and growth. Whether you spend your quarter studying business, science, technology, communications, liberal arts, psychology, or the fine arts, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s 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.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore UAE’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad. Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Tour the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque which holds significant cultural and spiritual significance for the UAE society while promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding
- Visit Abrahamic Family House to learn how the UAE is promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among the three monotheistic religions in the world, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
- Explore the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, the largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula with more than 1,000 pieces of artwork from prehistoric to contemporary times
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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
Top 6 UAE Study Abroad Programs
If “study abroad” had a glow-up, it would look like Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates’ mix of city life, desert adventures, and cutting-edge innovation makes it one of the... keep reading
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ABU DHABI
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
5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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 & Meals
House
CIEE Abu Dhabi ensures you're comfortable in your home away from home. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes double occupancy housing in apartments across the city. Apartments are located within a 40-minute commute of CIEE Abu Dhabi.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single occupancy housing with private bathroom and kitchenette residences. This facility is located within a 20-minute commute of CIEE Abu Dhabi.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Academics
CIEE Abu 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 CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with optional online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6 or 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
- Students interested in a non-introductory course in the host language must take an online placement test during course selection. Final placement will be confirmed on site.
Academic Projects
- Academic Projects will be offered onsite or remotely, dependent on availability and in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Academic Project placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements in location or within the Open Campus Block network either in-person or remotely. The process is highly individualized and goal oriented. Students enrolled in an Academic Project will receive additional academic support that informs and enhances the placement experience.
- Students applying for an Academic Project must submit additional materials during the course selection process.
To explore courses offered during the Fall 2026 quarter, please review the Abu Dhabi Open Campus program’s Fall Block II & III course list.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and 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 CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers 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:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Fall Quarter 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $14,900 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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
CIEE offers 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 CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $9,606 ** |
| Housing | $4,800 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,900 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
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
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Nancy ElSobkey
Center Director
Nancy is a senior educator with more than two decades of experience in teaching, program development, and leadership. Her career includes work in international universities including American and Australian universities...
Get Started
1
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.
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