Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Sustainable Smart Cities

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Abu Dhabi lasts 12-weeks and provides an in-depth look at how the United Arab Emirate's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Abu Dhabi while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses through a combination of 精东传媒 courses and courses taught online through 精东传媒's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Abu Dhabi!

Explore our sustainable smart cities courses

Unique Experiences

VISIT MASDAR CITY

TO EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE WORLD鈥橲 MOST SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SMART CITY TECHNOLOGIES

EXPLORE THE AL AIN OASIS

TO DISCOVER HOW THE TRADITIONAL OASIS SYSTEM IS BEING SUSTAINED AND INTEGRATED INTO MODERN WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE UAE

TAKE A TOUR OF ABU DHABI'S GREEN BUILDINGS

TO LEARN ABOUT THE CITY'S PIONEERING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THAT PROMOTES ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Experience
  • shoreline abu dhabi
  • study abroad in abu dhabi skyscrapers

Your Destination

Abu Dhabi is a sustainable smart city that seamlessly integrates innovation, culture, and environmental responsibility. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is a global leader in renewable energy and home to Masdar City, one of the world鈥檚 most sustainable urban developments. With cutting-edge architecture, efficient public transport, and a strong commitment to green initiatives, Abu Dhabi offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Students can explore landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the thriving innovation hubs driving the city鈥檚 future. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Abu Dhabi offers an inspiring and forward-thinking study abroad experience. 

abu dhabi uae architecture

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.  
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts. 
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges. 
temple abu dhabi UAE

Excursions & Activities

精东传媒鈥檚 excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore the United Arab Emirates鈥檚 rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Samples of excursions and activities:鈥&苍产蝉辫;

  • Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi鈥檚 rich collection of local and regional artifacts to gain insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East  
  • Tour the newly built Abrahamic Family House, which houses places of worship for the three monotheistic religions, where the UAE promotes peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding    
  • Visit the upcoming Zayed National Museum to learn about the UAE's history before oil discovery in the 1940鈥檚, when its people were mainly pearl divers and fishermen 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at 精东传媒's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Program Blogs

From 精东传媒

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ABU DHABI

By College Study Abroad at 精东传媒

EAT A dish deeply rooted in Emirati tradition, Al Harees is a must-try while in Abu Dhabi. Made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt... keep reading

From 精东传媒

5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

By College Study Abroad at 精东传媒

Seeking a distinctive abroad experience? Look no further than Abu Dhabi, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The capital of the United Arab Emirates promises an unparalleled... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

精东传媒 Abu Dhabi: Study in Abu Dhabi, a global city where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. From futuristic skyscrapers to bustling souks and serene desert landscapes, experience the unique blend of heritage and progress that defines this Middle Eastern hub.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by 精东传媒 in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the 精东传媒 academic calendar.  鈥&苍产蝉辫;

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.鈥赌赌

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 精东传媒 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 精东传媒 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Abu Dhabi Sustainable Smart Cities students enroll in 4 courses for a total of 12-14 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of sustainability is required. Students select from:鈥&苍产蝉辫;

  • 精东传媒 courses鈥
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits) 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-14 U.S. semester credits/18-21 quarter credits.  

Course Credit

  • 精东传媒 Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours鈥
  • 精东传媒 Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)鈥
  • 精东传媒 Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)鈥
  • 精东传媒 Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours)鈥
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 精东传媒 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 精东传媒 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

精东传媒 courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in 精东传媒 classes.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

精东传媒 courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for 精东传媒 courses. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You鈥檒l receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Class Format

精东传媒 classes are for 精东传媒 students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

ASU online courses meet in 鈥渟essions鈥 that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other 精东传媒 courses begin or end.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In 精东传媒 courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.鈥&苍产蝉辫;

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. 鈥淧ass/fail鈥 or 鈥淎udit鈥 is not allowed for 精东传媒 students. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 精东传媒 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 精东传媒 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

贰苍驳濒颈蝉丑鈥

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 精东传媒 courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 精东传媒 staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Featured Courses

The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.

 

精东传媒 Courses (in-person)ASU Courses (online) 

Building Sustainable Cities 

Sustainable Development in the 21st Century 

Business & Sustainability 

Engineering, Sustainability & Society 

Sustainable Tourism 

Introduction to Sustainability 

Sustainable World 

Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems

Pathways to Sustainability

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit
Arabic
4

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

精东传媒 proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

精东传媒 and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the 精东传媒 Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 精东传媒 and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at 精东传媒's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 精东传媒 sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with 精东传媒 Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Abu Dhabi's work scene is dynamic, offering a wealth of internship opportunities in finance, energy, tourism, healthcare, and technology. Both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups provide hands-on experience in an innovative and rapidly evolving economy. Abu Dhabi's diverse professional environment reflects the city's strategic focus on innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

And intern and a manger reviewing warehouse inventory

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of 精东传媒 fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 精东传媒 and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

精东传媒 offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • 精东传媒 Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the 精东传媒 Scholarships & Grants application within your 精东传媒 program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 精东传媒, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2026 12 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $15,950

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via 精东传媒's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

精东传媒 offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 精东传媒 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $10,956 **
Housing $4,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $15,950

Financial Aid

精东传媒 offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $1,200
International Airfare $1,200 鈥犫赌
Local Transportation $1,000
Books & Supplies $15
Visa Fees $200
Personal expenses $220
Total Costs $3,835

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

鈥犫赌round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

精东传媒 iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah. Ph.D.

Regional Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East

Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi has a PhD from the College of Education of the University of Ghana.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here鈥檚 what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact 精东传媒

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with 精东传媒 staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. 精东传媒 will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info