King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

[mundek]

I've been accepted to do my masters degree in Electrical Engineering. Problem is that I still have some doubts about moving to Saudi Arabia for two years. I've applied there because it seems to be great facility, good fit with exceptional funding. I'm worried about how a person for Europe (Poland) would be able to adapt to their culture. Also I am worried that diploma earned form KAUST would not be recognised in Europe or US, when I will apply for PhD.

 

Can someone with knowledge on KAUST post some feedback about living there?

Does anyone know how diploma from KAUST will be recognised in Europe or US in terms of applying to PhD or looking for work?

[7voltcrayon]

As far as culture goes, you can see from several blogs on the internet that the culuture at KAUST is nothing like the culture elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, the rgular laws and rules of SA dont apply in there. There are several westerners living in KAUST and a simple google search will turn up several blogs with their views on living there. KAUST has its own film theatre, swimming pool, diiving/scuba, kayaking facilities and stuff.

 

As far as your second question is concerned if you look at the EE page on the KAUST website you will see that they have collaborations with and professors from Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Purdue , GA Tech, EPFL etc. The labs mentioned on the pages had MS students who are currently pursuing their PhDs from places like McGill, GA Tech and other US/European univerisites.

 

Hope that answers your questions

[7voltcrayon]

Also when did you get your acceptance? And how many interviews did you have before receving it?

[mundek]

Thanks for your answer. I've received my acceptance on 27th February. I've had 2 interviews, academic and personal. Since last interview it's been more than 4 weeks, before decision was made.

[TakeruK]

The president of KAUST is the former president of Caltech -- http://www.kaust.edu.sa/about/admin/president/presidentoffice.html. He just changed jobs last year. I don't know how effective it will be, but it does seem like KAUST is making symbolic and practical connections to "the west". 

[foolish.nostalgia]

I can't answer to the fit in terms of academics because engineering is far outside of my field. 

 

However, I can speak to the culture. I have many Saudi friends (male and female) who are studying/working in the United States and an American friend who has been working in Saudi Arabia for the last four years. I don't want to downplay anything and pretend as though there would not be any kind of culture shock. There will be. But it wont necessarily be as bad as you might be thinking. Saudi has a pretty large foreign work force, many of which are Western. Many of these workers live in compounds that aren't under the same rules and regulations as the rest of the country. My impression that KAUST is another similar situation. (Many of these workers also have blogs, which I'd recommend looking up and reading. They can go into far more detail about specific things they encounter, in terms of culture shock and adjustments, than I have to space or experience to do) I'd also recommend reading a diverse selection of these kinds of blogs. You don't want your views biased one way or the other by a minority voice which is either highly negative or highly praising.)

 

I don't think it would be too hard to find other European ex-pats at all, if that would make you feel more "at home". Basically, what I'm trying to say is that as a Westerner you will probably find yourself with far more freedom from a "traditional" Saudi experience if you so choose. But my impression is that the Westerners who are the most happy living in Saudi are those that at least try to adapt and experience Saudi culture (and have at least a few close Saudi friends). If that is something you are 100% opposed to, this may not be the best choice for you. Your living experience is going to effect your performance in school and then, what was the point of going at all? Just my two cents. 

[mundek]

After reading few blogs I can say that I do not worry so much. With what I've read, I think I'll be ok. Still there is a question of KAUST reputation. I don't doubt that I will get excellent education and that is what I want, but I need my diploma to be recognised in US/Europe. That one thing is keeping me from accepting this offer.

[tahirghori]

Atm people from China are getting offers on almost daily basis. I guess it will be subcontinents turn after their decisions are made.

[tahirghori]

I dont think that anybody except from China has received an offer as of yet i,e 19th March 2014

[burgertang]

This school will develop well in coming 5-10 years and become the top school in the world. Do u know that former president of CALTECH became the KAUST president in 2013 August. This is a really good sign and Jean Lou Chemeau has exceptional reputation in academic fields. Currently, KAUST is also co-op with UC berkley and Caltech, Cornell, MIT... 

[ahmad81]

Anybody received acceptance from KAUST who've attended Personal intv. in istanbul a month ago ?

[tahirghori]

None Yet, This week maybe 

[tahirghori]

One candidate from Nigeria got his acceptance today .. Keep your fingers crossed

[iphi]

I am a westerner who currently lives in Saudi. PM me if you want. I would suggest against a westerner getting a degree from here unless you know you want to work here/Middle East forever. The stigma of a Saudi degree in the U.S. or Europe for a westerner would be too much. They might even think it is fake.

[SAFA]

i applied for fall 2014 in chemical science i have been interviewed last feb and im still waiting for their decision im really nervousis does anyone here know a candidate who also applyied the same date and programe as me got accepted ?