Gulf International Schools Forum & Workshop - Dubai - October 2023

The Leading Event for Counsellor’s Career Development & Networking

This is the seventh edition of the Gulf International Schools Forum and Workshop, and it is once again being held in-person in Dubai in October 2023.

Brought to you by Times Higher Education (THE)/BMI and attended by counsellors from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, this is the Gulf's largest gathering of High School Counsellors.

This high-profile, free event offers you an exclusive opportunity to network with international education professionals from across the Gulf region and around the world, as well as participate in important career development seminars.

Please note: Only counsellors attending this in-person workshop will be considered for invitation for the Global International Schools Forum & Workshop 2024 which will most likely be held in London, New York or Sydney in May 2024. Participation in the Global event includes return airfare from your country, accommodation for 4 to 7 days and most meals.

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Why attend the Gulf International Schools Forum & Workshop

Simply put, there is no other international event in the UAE that offers so many benefits for its school counsellors.

We recognise the crucial work counsellors do in advising today’s youth, and the need for you to continuously build upon your knowledge, skill set and global network. That’s why this event has been specifically designed to aid your understanding of international admissions practices and make the right kind of contacts around the world.

In just two days, you will:

Meet experienced representatives from International Universities who have flown into Dubai specifically for this event, as well as fellow counsellors from across the Middle East.
Receive the latest updates on undergraduate admissions criteria and application procedures to International Universities.
Participate in a series of world-class professional development sessions which will count towards you completing the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP).

The Gulf International Schools Forum & Workshop is therefore a must-attend event for gathering new insights on international education, enhancing the way you support students applying overseas, and staying up-to-date on global undergraduate admissions.

What to Expect at the Event

Making International Connections with Top Universities and Education Experts

Truly unique in its ability to connect you with influential leaders at higher education institutions from across the globe, the International Schools Forum & Workshop also helps you improve your day-to-day tasks when counselling students. By attending, you will learn the latest application standards and documentation required for students who plan to pursue an education overseas.

You will hold 15 pre-scheduled, private meetings with education experts who will help you become familiar with each institution’s academic quality, student support, living and learning environment, as well as practical information such as admissions procedures, deadlines, exams, financial requirements and so on.

All of which takes place within a comfortable, yet professional, atmosphere where you can forge relationships with a selected group of the world's most internationally-oriented higher education institutions.

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Supporting School Counsellors' Professional Development

During the event, you will also attend educational workshops which form part of THE CAP. Five workshops are held in Dubai, giving you the latest information on international admissions processes and requirements in a valuable face-to-face learning environment. The seminar programme is designed to provide school administrators, high school principals and counsellors with essential information to help students navigate the pathway to popular global study destinations.

The remaining modules can be completed online at your convenience, and those cover topics such as building resilience in yourself and your students, best practising in counselling, the latest sector trends, and managing stakeholders.

Once you have completed all modules of THE CAP, you will be among an elite cohort of school counsellors who hold a globally recognised accreditation, bolstering your career profile and thereby enhancing the reputation of your school.

Throughout the event, you will have numerous opportunities to mingle and network with both Admissions Directors and Senior Staff from over 40 International Universities and Colleges from around the world, as well as with other school counsellors from across the Middle East.

Benefits for International School Counsellors in the Gulf

This event is only for high school counsellors who must apply to participate. If approved, participation is free of charge and includes the following benefits:

Professional development seminars as part of THE CAP and networking sessions over two days
15 pre-scheduled individual meetings with your choice of 40 international universities
Welcome Reception and Dinner at Conrad Dubai Hotel on the evening of October 8th
Free hotel accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek on the night of October 8th
Breakfast (if staying at the hotel), coffee breaks and networking lunch on October 9th

Spaces are limited and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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Sunday, 8th October 2023

TIME	ACTIVITY
15:00	Check-in available at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
15:30	Bus departs from Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek to Murdoch University Dubai
16:00	Registration at Murdoch University Dubai
16:10 - 17:10	Huron University Session
17:15 - 17:30	Welcome Tour around Murdoch University Dubai
17:35 - 18:20	Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Training provided by Common Purpose
18:25 - 19:10	Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Training provided by Common Purpose
19:20	Bus departs from Murdoch University Dubai to Conrad Dubai Hotel
19:45 - 22:15	Welcome Reception and Dinner at Conrad Dubai Hotel
22:30	Bus departs from Conrad Dubai Hotel to Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

Monday, 9th October 2023

TIME	ACTIVITY
7:45 - 8:00	School Counsellors Registration at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
8:10 - 8:55	Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Training provided by Common Purpose
9:00 - 10:35	Private meetings (4 meetings, 20 minutes each)
10:35 - 10:50	Refreshment Break
10:50 - 12:25	Private meetings (4 meetings, 20 minutes each)
12:30 - 13:05	Networking Lunch
13:10 - 13:55	Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Training provided by Common Purpose
14:00 - 15:35	Private meetings (4 meetings, 20 minutes each )
15:35 - 15:50	Refreshment Break
15:50 - 17:00	Private meetings (3 meetings, 20 minutes each)
17:05 - 17:50	Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Training provided by Common Purpose
18:00	Workshop Attendance Certificates Awarded

Free 5-star accommodation in Dubai

Approved counsellors may receive free hotel accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek on the night of October 8th.

There are a limited number of hotel rooms available and they are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Early registration is therefore recommended! We will confirm your room accommodation within 5 days of your registration approval.

Please note, if two counsellors are attending from the same school, they must share the free hotel room (in a room with two double beds).

Hotel Check in: Sunday 8th October 2023 - From 15:00
Hotel Check out: Monday 9th October 2023 - By 12:00

Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner

The welcome reception and dinner takes place at Conrad Dubai Hotel on the evening of 8th October. It is an important aspect of the Workshop and Forum and gives you the perfect opportunity to meet other counsellors from across the UAE & Gulf countries as well as the participating international education institutions in a relaxed environment.

The reception is preceded by a session given by Huron University from Canada and followed by two THE Counsellor Accreditation Program sessions at Murdoch University Dubai.

Venues and Accommodation

Sunday, 8th October 2023

HURON UNIVERSITY & THE CAP SESSIONS 1 & 2
Murdoch University Dubai
Level 1, Block 18
Dubai Knowledge Park - Dubai

WELCOME RECEPTION & DINNER
Conrad Dubai Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Centre
Dubai

Monday, 9th October 2023

ACCOMMODATION, MEETINGS AND THE CAP SESSIONS 3-5
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Baniyas Road, Deira
Dubai

Meetings will take place at the Zabeel Ballroom