UNAIR NEWS – One of the students of Universitas Airlangga got a wonderful studying opportunity in the Uni Arab Emirates. Alya Muna Zuhra, a communication major student of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UNAIR, passed as an IISMA awardee at Abu Dhabi University.
Alya shared her studying experience at Abu Dhabi University, from the selection stage of IISMA to her admiration for the Uni Arab Emirates. She shared that she prepared the documents as the end of registration approached.
“The English test result was announced on the last day of registration, and so was the university recommendation letter. In the end, I could submit the required documents,” Alya told UNAIR NEWS.
While waiting for the announcement, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences student focused on finishing her practical assignments. Though the announcement was postponed, one of UNAIR’s Communication lecturers, Ms. Dina, informed her acceptance at Abu Dhabi University.
“At that time, I felt so cold and excited. It was a mixed feeling. I cried and laughed. I feel so grateful for it,” Alya said.
Admiration for the UAE
Alya, originally from Semarang, said that UAE is a highly global country. The natives are only 20 percent, while the rest are people from all across the world.
“I’m amazed seeing lots of people coming from different ethnicities and learning about this whole global culture and different ways of living,” Alya said.
Alya’s friends at Abu Dhabi University came from around the world. Some are from Pakistan, India, Algeria, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. “It feels great to be in such a global environment,” she added.
Alya said that UAE is a clean and fragrant country. Every place, including the mall and public facility, is fragrant and clean. It was rare to find air pollution there.
While Abu Dhabi, Alya proceeded, has a more Muslim-friendly environment compared to Dubai. People in Dubai wear modest clothes, and they are very attentive to others. “Ladies are always put first is the one thing I love the most,” she said.
In the bus, there are separate doors for male and female passengers. The female passengers sit in the front, while the males sit in the back. The obedient citizens made her feel comfortable.
The community in Abu Dhabi holds an Islamic lifestyle. The males lower their gaze, maintain space, and verbal comments to the females.
“My friends and I never once got catcalled or felt scared. Maybe it’s the secret behind Abu Dhabi being the safest city in the world for six consecutive years,” she ended the interview. (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
