Waterloo has been working since earlier this year with the UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) to establish Waterloo UAE. The programs will be offered under the co-op education system that has students alternating four-month work terms in the business world and academic terms on campus.

Classes began today for 22 students - eight in chemical engineering and 14 in civil engineering - at the HCT in Dubai, following a two- day orientation that ran Sunday and Monday. The students will spend the first two years in the UAE and will complete the final two years in Canada, acquiring work experience in both regions.

Waterloo professors will teach in the UAE. Students will benefit from the same quality of education in Dubai as do their counterparts in Waterloo.

Waterloo is initially offering programs in co-op chemical engineering and civil engineering at the Waterloo UAE campus. In subsequent years, programs will be offered in financial analysis and risk management, and information technology management.

Read more at http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=5102