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 how much emphasis was placed on group projects and presentations compared to individual exams. This shift required me to develop new skills in collaboration and public speaking, which was initially challenging but ultimately rewarding. It also changed how I managed my study time and interacted with classmates. Has anyone else experienced unexpected academic differences after moving here, and how did you adapt?