A small academic adjustment I had to make after arriving in the UAE

When I first started studying in the UAE, I assumed the academic environment would be very similar to what I was used to back home. What surprised me was the emphasis on group projects and class participation, which was much more significant than I expected. This meant I had to adjust my study habits and communication skills to keep up. It also helped me develop new perspectives by interacting with classmates from diverse backgrounds. How have your academic experiences in the UAE differed from your expectations?