{
  "id": 1512663,
  "title": "Beyond Applications: The Distinctive Approach to International Academic Guidance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/beyond-applications-the-distinctive-approach-to-international",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T16:01:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Arabian Post",
    "slug": "arabian-post",
    "url": "https://thearabianpost.com/beyond-applications-the-distinctive-approach-to-international-academic-guidance/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Rohan Nasser Obied, founder of IZIENG – The International Studying Center, aims to empower Arab students in Israel to pursue Master's and PhD degrees abroad. For many in the Arab community, the idea of international higher education can seem out of reach before even starting the application process. Dr. Obied's vision is to build a generation of students who see this path as achievable and integrate it into their long-term academic and professional goals.\n\nEstablished in 2004, IZIENG began as a multidisciplinary educational center offering academic enrichment and guidance. Over time, it expanded to include language education, academic preparation, and support for undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral studies. Dr. Obied's philosophy emphasizes preparing students for the future by understanding their abilities, developing critical thinking, identifying suitable academic directions, and building confidence to navigate unfamiliar environments.\n\nTraditional study-abroad guidance often focuses on university selection and administrative procedures. However, IZIENG takes a more holistic approach. The center combines international study guidance with advanced English-language preparation, academic support, and personalized counseling. This supports students in demonstrating sophisticated academic English, presenting clear intellectual directions, preparing compelling personal statements, and understanding how their degrees align with long-term goals.\n\nFor Arab students in Israel, the transition to international academia can present unique challenges. Dr. Obied acknowledges the uncertainty these students may face regarding degree selection, the appropriateness of a PhD, and how to present their research interests globally. His guidance is tailored to address these specific concerns, ensuring students are not only admitted to programs but are also academically and culturally prepared for success.\n\nThe ultimate goal of IZIENG extends beyond individual admissions outcomes. Dr. Obied seeks to transform the perceptions of Arab students, showing them that an international degree is a reachable and meaningful option. He aims to create a structured pathway from the initial idea of studying abroad to actual participation in global academic communities. Over two decades, IZIENG has evolved to focus intensely on bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity for the next generation of Arab students in Israel.",
  "summary": "For many Arab students in Israel, the idea of pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD abroad can seem distant long before the application process even begins. Choosing the right academic path, meeting international academic standards, working confidently in English, preparing research interests and understanding unfamiliar university systems can all become significant barriers. For Dr. Rohan Nasser…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}