Journey to KAUST

by stephanie w., posted in Uncategorized

What WAS I doing at KAUST?

Last summer, I went to Costa Rica to conduct research and enjoyed my time there learning about the environment and conducting research on something completely different from my field. I enjoyed my time there and I wanted to do something like that again.

While scrolling through my Instagram, I saw a post from Instagram story from my university. After looking through the program information, it was the perfect program for me. It fit my timeframe and it was something I was interested in.

As a child, marine biology including dolphins, sharks, etc. fascinated me. The ocean is a beautiful and scary place and I wanted to understand it more. I thought there is no better way to do it than with experts of the field with ocean right at their doorsteps. The KAUST program provided everything and it was hard to not apply to it.

Application Process

The application process was very simple and easy to fill out.

  1. Follow the link: https://rssc.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Tentative-Program.aspx
  2. See if the program interests you and then APPLY!
  3. The people at KAUST make it really easy to apply and they are very help and kind to answer any questions that you have.
  4. Wait for a reply.
    • This was an issue that everyone had in my summer cohort. Many of us waited for months to get a reply and we all thought that we were not accepted from the program. However, with a little patience, KAUST got back to us with their decision!
  5. Skype Interview
  6. VISA Process
  7. Flight Info
  8. Flight to Saudi Arabia!

Skepticism?

If you have any skepticism or reservations about going on research summer program due to the the location, don’t be.

To be honest, I was worried due to the media portrayals of Saudi Arabia. My family worried for me as well but I felt like it was a great opportunity to learn about a new culture and research. I took the chance and there I met people from all over the world that took the leap as well and we were able to learn so much!

If you have any questions about the program, comment below! (:

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