Category: International Student
OUR PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Brunel University, UK (since May 2004)
Brunel University welcomes Ahlia University students through its exchange programme. Eligible students may spend up to one full academic year at Brunel. Additionally, Ahlia University offers the Brunel PhD Without Residence Programme. This 3-year Programme is fully accredited by the UK government, and is considered equivalent to a degree provided on Brunel’s campus. Upon successful completion of the programme, the certification will be issued by Brunel University.
The George Washington University, USA (since September 2010)
In collaboration with the George Washington University, Ahlia University offers the Master’s Degree in Engineering Management. The MSEM programme is designed to develop leaders for technically oriented organizations and prepare them for the future. The programme is run by the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE) Off-Campus Programmes Office, and the award is issued by the George Washington University (GWU).
LIVING IN BAHRAIN
Bahrain has a rich cultural history the can be traced back to 2000 B.C, with two historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the iconic Manama market which houses some of the first goldsmith and pearl shops in the country.
Bahrain is considered one of the healthiest countries in the Gulf with one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the region. There is more medical staff per person in Bahrain than any other country in the G.C.C. The country’s healthcare system includes 4 state-sponsored hospitals, 14 private institutions, and a large number of clinics and maternity hospitals.
Accommodation
Ahlia’s campus does not include dormitories. It is therefore highly advised that you start looking for accommodation before arriving in Bahrain. To ease your transition into the country, university staff will help you find suitable accommodation upon arrival. There are also several real estate agencies that can help you find a place to stay. Sharing an apartment with a fellow international student can help reduce costs while ensuring companionship during your free time.
Note: do not pay in advance for any accommodation until you have inspected it in person.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Bahrain is quite low when compared to other countries in the region. For instance, a trip by Uber or Careem will cost you around 3BD, while travelling around the country using the extensive bus system will cost only around 0.300 BD per trip. A fast-food meal from an international franchise such as McDonald’s will cost just around 1.5BD, while food from local cafeterias can be even cheaper. Enjoying a night at the theatre with friends will cost you around 3 BD
Fast Facts: Bahrain
- Official name: The Kingdom of Bahrain
- Geography: island located in the Arabian Gulf between the Qatar Peninsula and northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia
- Capital: Manama
- Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD) – the second-highest valued currency in the world with an exchange rate of 1BHD=2.65USD
- Population: over 1,400,000 (2017)
- Languages: Arabic is the official language and English is commonly spoken outside work and in all retail stores and services along with Farsi and Urdu
The 2016 Expat Explorer Survey, commissioned by the HSBC Expat, ranked Bahrain the 9th best place in the world to be an expatriate.
WHAT TO BRING TO BAHRAIN
There are a few things to consider when packing for your trip to Bahrain:
Essentials
- Passport
- Student Visa or Immigration Certificate (provided by the university)
- Ahlia University Letter of Offer
Money
Keep in mind that you will have to purchase food and book a hotel to stay in before opening a bank account and finding a permanent place to stay. Almost every shop in Bahrain accepts credit cards. Ensure that your bank is aware of your travels, to avoid any issues that may arise while using it abroad.
Note: most Bahraini banks limit daily cash withdrawals to 500 BD.
Luggage
Make sure that you bring appropriate clothing for the climate. Bahrain is quite warm for most of the year, so heavy winter coats will not be needed. Sun screen is highly advised if you plan on spending time at Bahrain’s beaches during the summer months.
Meet and Greet
The university welcomes students to Bahrain with a ‘meet and greet’ service at the airport. The team will be available, regardless of your time of arrival, to help ease the immigration process. When all immigration procedures are successfully completed, the meet and greet team will then provide transportation to your accommodation.
If you have not already found accommodation in Bahrain, the team will recommend a temporary hotel to stay in while you look for a permanent place in Bahrain.
Keep in mind that finding accommodation is the student’s responsibility, however the International Relations team will support and assist the student, as well as provide some contacts to start their search.