ADEK's Fourth Abu Dhabi Counsellors Forum Showcases Global Opportunities For Students
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) recently hosted its 4th Abu Dhabi Counsellors Forum, emphasizing the enhancement of international student opportunities. This event aligns with ADEK's strategic vision for 'Countries of Expansion', bringing together representatives from 15 embassies in the UAE. This collaboration aims to foster international partnerships and unlock global opportunities for students within the emirate.
The forum provided a platform for discussing the latest trends, resources, and strategies in counselling. It facilitated the exchange of best practices and insights on university admission requirements and government sponsorship programs. This was achieved through networking sessions involving local authorities, universities, educational organizations, and consultancies. The embassies represented at the forum included those from China, Spain, Switzerland, France, the US, Türkiye, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Participants included school principals, vice principals, deans, academic advisors from over 217 private and Charter Schools, and career and university guidance counsellors from more than 45 public schools. They explored scholarship opportunities and international pathways available to Abu Dhabi students.
Updates on ADEK’s Career and University (CU) Guidance Policy were also a focal point of the forum. The discussions centered on standardized policies, practices, and career guidance programs across schools. This initiative supports students in making successful transitions into post-secondary academic and career destinations. The forum also shed light on new strategies and resources for career and university guidance, professional counsellor development opportunities, and careers aligned with the creative economy—a strategic priority in Abu Dhabi’s economic plan.
Esteemed local and international speakers led sessions covering a wide range of topics. These included technological advancements in education, high school equivalency standards, scholarship programs, professional development for counsellors, college applications processes, assessments, and smart strategies for CU Guidance Counsellors.
The forum highlighted the active pursuit by Abu Dhabi students of majors aligned with human capital demands in the emirate’s priority industries. This is supported by internships with over 130 industry-specific partners. Since the introduction of ADEK’s Career and University Guidance Policy in 2022, there has been a notable increase in support structures for students. Currently, 96 percent of private and Charter Schools in Abu Dhabi are equipped with CU Guidance Counsellors. This marks a significant advancement towards empowering students for successful transitions into post-secondary academic and career opportunities.
This gathering not only underscored the importance of international collaboration in education but also highlighted the proactive steps being taken by ADEK to ensure that students in Abu Dhabi are well-prepared for their future academic and career paths.
With inputs from WAM
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