The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), launched its Pre-Departure Week for 300 students this week.

As hundreds of Emirati students prepare to begin university studies overseas the programme is aimed to better equip them for the transition — not just academically, but socially and practically. The students were selected through its national scholarship schemes. The programme, held in partnership with 25 public and private entities, includes sessions on cultural awareness, financial literacy, health and safety protocols, and what to expect in daily life while studying abroad.

According to ADEK, the sessions are designed to “ensure students are fully prepared to integrate confidently into their host communities and excel academically and personally.”

Focus on life skills, not just academics

Unlike conventional pre-departure orientations focused primarily on academic guidance and visa logistics, ADEK’s approach includes modules on personal wellbeing, leadership, global mobility, and diplomatic conduct. There are also sessions dedicated to understanding immigration laws, managing mental health, and adapting to life in unfamiliar environments.

The department shared that the programme was structured around 11 core themes developed from feedback gathered from previous students, their families, and education stakeholders. As part of the initiative, students also participate in hands-on workshops, including a culinary session hosted by the International Center for Culinary Arts in Abu Dhabi. The workshop, aimed at fostering independence, teaches students basic cooking and nutrition skills to support their daily living abroad.

The programme draws input from a broad range of UAE institutions. Among them are the Ministry of Defence, Abu Dhabi Police, the National Rehabilitation Centre, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, and the International Etiquette and Protocol Academy. Nine foreign embassies also contributed content and sessions, offering students country-specific advice and insight into local customs and laws.

Topics covered range from infectious disease prevention and public health protocols to navigating social norms and representing Emirati cultural identity while abroad.

A growing international student base

The UAE has ramped up its scholarship offerings in recent years. According to ADEK, it has awarded 2,190 international scholarships to date, with students heading to more than 20 countries to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.The programme underlined the government’s ambition to shape globally engaged graduates, and reflected growing recognition of the non-academic challenges students often face when studying overseas — ranging from culture shock to managing personal responsibilities in unfamiliar settings.

By offering a more comprehensive orientation that goes beyond paperwork and packing lists, ADEK’s Pre-Departure Week seeks to bridge that gap, as per WAM. Whether students will feel more prepared as a result remains to be seen, but the emphasis on soft skills and day-to-day readiness marks a shift in how international education is being approached from within the UAE.