Wednesday, April 14, 2021: Through our established partnerships with a range of Canadian higher education institutions, students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) can choose to transfer the credits they earn at CUD to complete their degree in Canada. We caught up with one of our students, Bhaanvi Rai, who recently made this decision. She completed her first year of university education in 2020 with the Faculty of Management, achieving 30 credits that were successfully transferred to her current Bachelor's degree program at the University of New Brunswick (UNBC).
During her time at CUD, Ms. Rai was enrolled in the following courses where she received excellent grade; Calculus I, Mathematics for Business, English 1 & 2, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Accounting 1 and Critical Thinking.
Below are a few key extracts from our discussion.
Q: In which major were you studying at CUD? Have you transferred to a similar/same major?
I was studying Bachelor of Business Administration at CUD. I completed my 1st year at CUD and then I transferred to University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Canada. Currently, I’m pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration at UNB. I’m in my 2nd year now. However, I haven’t decided on a major yet. I’m taking my time in discovering what I like before I decide on a specialization next semester.
Q: How many credits were you able to get transferred from CUD to UNB?
UNB is a partner university and because of which I had an upper hand, receiving all 30 credits that I completed at CUD.
Q: To what extent did you receive support from CUD to make this transfer happen?
CUD provided me support in all aspects. My transfer coordinator guided me throughout the process. From helping me pick transferrable courses at CUD to short listing and applying to universities, he had my back throughout the process! Also, the lovely staff at the registration department sent in all my documents to the universities in a timely manner, making sure I hadn’t missed any deadlines! CUD ensured I underwent a smooth transition process from Dubai to Canada.
Q: Think about the classes you are taking now and those that you took at CUD. What do they have in common, and what is most different-if anything?
In my opinion, the courses at CUD were in line with the courses offered at UNB. CUD followed the Canadian System and because of which I didn’t experience any huge changes. From writing essay papers, to the projects and assignments at CUD, almost everything at UNB followed the same format which made things much easier for me.
Q: Has the way you used to prepare for exams changed since your transfer? Any valuable lessons in this regard that you learned during your time at CUD?
The course load at CUD is the same as UNB. I must put in the same amount of effort and dedicate the same number of hours while studying. CUD follows the same exam patterns as well which helped me adapt at UNB. For years, I was just focusing on being a book worm and acing my exams. However, at CUD I was a part of the Student Council and various other extra-curricular activities which made me realize that there is much more beyond studying. Balancing out things in life is always important. I made few amazing friends at CUD and memories which I would cherish for life.
Q: What would you want to say to students thinking of transferring to Canada and are currently at CUD or thinking of enrolling at CUD?
I would say GO FOR IT! Stepping out of your comfort zone may seem like a tough decision. Leaving your friends and family isn’t easy. Furthermore, university applications can be a tough process. However, students at CUD are lucky because we are guided throughout the process and our whole transition from CUD to a university in Canada is an amazing experience. Going to a new country, meeting new people and learning from professors with different styles of teaching is an altogether wonderful experience.
Q: What would you want to say to faculty teaching at CUD to help the students who are considering to transfer?
I would like to thank each and every faculty member from the Department of Management for guiding me throughout my journey. I was always an anxious student, and I still remember I would spend my time at CUD with my professors during their office hours, clarifying doubts. The Professors at CUD are the most patient, approachable, and friendly people I have ever come across.
Q: Anything else that you would like to mention?
After grade 12, I was dejected because I wasn’t eligible to apply to universities in Canada as I didn’t have Mathematics in grade 12. Despite my high grades, I could not go to my dream country. However, studying at CUD has made that dream come true for me. I completed Mathematics and Calculus at CUD, which were the pre-requisites for universities in Canada and also a part of my curriculum. I transferred after my 1st year, and still look back at studying in CUD as one of the best experiences in my life.