The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Much of the work force in the UAE are foreign expatriates - hence the country's population makeup being so diverse, with Emirati citizens being a minority in their own country.

Pathway programs are designed to initially help many international students improve written and oral communication skills in preparation for study abroad. Intensive language classes help students reach the language proficiency levels needed for advanced studies. Classes often cover educational and cultural differences experienced when studying in another country.