Frequently Asked Questions
General
Paper and Project Proposals
General
1. What is
HCT?
Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology
address the unique educational requirements of a
young, yet rapidly developing country, the UAE.
With 13 campuses throughout the country, they have
expanded rapidly while consistently maintaining
a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning
that has made HCT a leader in education and training.
The academic caliber of the teaching staff – professional
educators who are at the forefront of their subject
areas – and the innovative, project-driven and student-based
curriculum have raised standards for those graduating
and finding satisfying employment in business, industry
and government.
The HCT stays abreast of new developments in technologies
and learning systems so as to give their students
the skills and attributes they need to succeed in
a global work environment. We strive to develop
graduates who are prepared for the future, ready
for the changing needs of the workplace, and trained
for a life of ongoing learning and professional
success.
2. As a student,
what is the process of registration for the conference?
Students can apply online. Applications will be
reviewed and those students who are accepted to
attend the conference will be notified.
3. What are the conference costs?
Students are expected to fund their own travel to the UAE but while at the conference their accommodation and other associated costs will be met byHCT.
There is a registration fee of USD 700 for non-students. This fee covers attendance at all sessions over the three day period, tea/coffee and lunch on the days of the conference, a Gala Dinner evening and an Arabian Nights evening.
4. Where will I get my badge?
Your badge will be ready for you at the registration desk on the first day of the conference. Please bring your confirmation letter with your Confirmation number on it to ensure a smooth entry into the conference hall.
5. Where will I get my conference pack?
Your conference pack can be picked up once you collect your badge from the registration desk.
6. Will there be security?
Yes, there will be security.
7. What type
of security?
Police and security guards will be around on the
day. It is recommended you do not carry any sharp
objects or weapons to the conference.
8. Will I
be able to meet all the speakers?
There will be networking opportunities during lunch
and breaks.
9. Do I need
a visit visa to visit the United Arab Emirates ?
The categories given below identify whether an individual requires a visit visa before arrival or whether one can be issued at the airport or entry point.
AGCC Citizens - Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation do not need a visa.
AGCC Residents - AGCC expatriate residents may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival.
UK Citizens - Residents of the UK with the right to abide in the United Kingdom may obtain a free visa on arrival, which is valid for 60 days (can be renewed).
33 Privileged Countries - the following 33 countries are privileged and are given a non-renewable visit Visa to the UAE on the day of arrival for the cost of 100 dhs ($28).
France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States (US), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Should you require a visit visa to attend the conference we will make arrangements for that with you.
10. Is there a dress code for the conference?
The dress code for most activities of the conference is “smart-casual”. Students should not wear jeans and T-shirts. During the conference, there will be a small number of events, such as gala dinner that will require semi-formal. Men can come in dress slacks with and shirt and tie. Women can come in dresses, although blouses, skirts and trousers are also suitable.
Be sure to also bring clothes along that are suitable for going to the desert or exploring the countryside. Part of the program includes visits to destinations in the UAE so come prepared! Details will be posted on the website as they become available.
11. Internet Access
An Internet café will be available at the conference venue during the day, however; access will be limited at other times. Internet cafes are available in shopping malls and other places in the city centre.
12. Arriving in UAE
Visiting students will be welcomed at the airport by a student from the HCT and
then accompanied to the hotel.
13. Can I drive in the UAE using a foreign driving license?
What are the requirements and regulations?
You will not need to make arrangements for transportation
while attending the conference. All transportation
is provided. The following is for information purposes
only.
Visitors may obtain a one-month temporary license
by presenting their valid foreign license, a copy
of their valid UAE visa, and the required fees.
Car rental agencies can usually process the request
for a temporary license. The UAE recognizes driver's
licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle
registered in that GCC state. Under no circumstances
should anyone drive without a valid license.
Drivers are advised to follow traffic rules and
regulations. Committing traffic offences may result
in fines and "Black Points" which, if accumulated,
can result in a suspension of the driving license
or even harsher penalties.
14. What
is the weather like in the UAE?
The weather in Abu Dhabi is coolest between November
and April, but can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius
(115 Fahrenheit) at other times of the year.
15. Currency
and Money
The currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED) which
is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been held
constant against the US dollar since the end of
1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1 = AED 3.67.
All major foreign currencies and traveler's cheques
may be exchanged for the UAE dirham at the many
exchange booths at the airport, or in banks all
around the city centre.
All major credit cards are generally accepted
in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers
offer better bargains for cash.
16. What
is the UAE's Dress Code?
Clothing in the UAE should be conservative and smart.
Women usually try to avoid wearing revealing clothes,
especially in rural areas, and go for loose clothing
such as loose-cut trousers and long dress.
17. What
are the UAE's Local Customs?
The United Arab Emirates is considered to be the
most liberal part of the Persian Gulf, however is
still very conservative by Western standards. This
means that great offence would be shown by wearing
revealing clothing or in any way showing disrespect
in Mosques or other public places.
18. What
are the main tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi ?
Due to its oil revenue, Abu Dhabi is considered
one of the world's richest cities. From riding a
camel to driving luxury cars, from shopping in the
big modern shopping centers to haggling in the souk
(market), from dining in five-star restaurants and
hotels to camping in the desert and sampling Bedouin
hospitality under the moonlight you can experience
Abu Dhabi's combination of modern sophistication
and Arabian charm.
Marina Shopping Mall
Abu Dhabi Break Water, End of Corniche
Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall
Tourist Club Road
Cultural Foundation
(art exhibition, library,
theatre auditorium and lecture rooms)
Khalidiya Street , Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 2 215 300
The Corniche
(nice walk at a park-lined coastal
boulevard)
Corniche Road , Abu Dhabi
Heritage Village
(exhibition of the Bedouin lifestyle)
Mussafa Road , Abu Dhabi
Souk
(traditional market)
City Centre, Abu Dhabi
Breakwater
(a unique place to watch
the sunset and experience some local food)
Opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi
Paper and Project Proposals
1. What is the Call for Papers?
The Call For Papers tells you the topics you can write about. It also tells you
all the requirements your paper or project proposal must fulfill, deadlines and
submission instructions. The Call For Papers tells you what we expect from you
in your submission. Please follow the instructions and requirements in it very
carefully. Your submission will be rejected, if you do not. We will update the
Call For Papers from time to time to clarify possible misunderstandings. The
requirements and instructions of the Call For Papers however will never change
without being announced to everyone registered!
2. Do I have to be currently a student to submit a paper or project proposal?
Yes, you must be a current student.
3. Can I submit a proposal for my paper now and my full paper later?
Yes. You have to submit an abstract of your paper by November 17, and the full
paper by December 10.
4. Do I need references in my paper?
Yes, references are a must. e-ducation Without Borders 2005 is a high-level conference, and we expect each student to have done some amount of literature research for his or her paper. Critical analysis papers require a lesser amount of literature research than academic research papers.
5. What do you mean by "proposal" in the Call for Papers?
The word "proposal" in the Call For Papers refers to the submission type of project proposals. It has nothing to do with any of the two paper formats.
6. What is the difference between a critical analysis paper and an academic
research paper?
The main difference is in the amount of work that has been put into the writing:
the number of resources considered, the number of students surveyed. Another big
difference is that for the academic research paper you would need to be much
more independent in thinking, to be creative, to come up with an ORIGINAL idea
that can be supported both by the results of the surveys and literature search.
It is indeed "academic", meaning that it is rather the level of senior thesis or
graduate research. Whereas a critical analysis paper is more like "term paper". It
would require less intensive literature search and would concentrate on making
conclusions based on someone else's ideas, rather than inventing your own
scientific "theory" or such.
7. As an undergraduate student can
I consider writing an academic research?
Yes, you can. However be aware of the differences between academic research and
critical analysis paper and be reasonable. Writing an academic research would
take much more time and effort. It is rather an option for those who have
relevant research done or almost finished before the conference. And vice versa,
if a graduate student would like to take part in e-ducation Without Borders, but
has not seriously researched any relevant topic prior to the conference, he or
she can consider writing a critical analysis paper.
8. What does "Employ MLA as referencing style" mean?
This means that you should use the Modern Language Association (MLA) Format. There are
numerous websites with information on MLA, an example is here.
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