Best International Schools in Abu Dhabi – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
It shouldn’t be of surprise to hear that the international schools in the United Arab Emirates aren’t cheap. As a global economic powerhouse, its capital Abu Dhabi offers an excellent educational system, job opportunities, and sky-high salaries to expats. But when it comes to school, it has the best for your child.
Of course, it’s not bad news, and in fact, the country’s educational system is among the best in the world. But while the city’s international schools may not be budget-friendly, they are somewhat less expensive than a neighboring city such as Dubai. More so, they emphasize math and science subject.
This, with many other factors, contributes to why Abu Dhabi remains the lead when it comes to education. In fact, the British curriculum dominates in Abu Dhabi’s international school. And to a lesser extent, other English-speaking country’s curricula, American, Australian, and even Canadian, can be found.
However, English is the language of instruction in most international schools, with Arabic offered as a compulsory second. Aside from this fact, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the government organization responsible for regulating international schools in the country.
Not to worry, in this article, we will walk you through the best international schools in Abu Dhabi. That said, we have compiled some of the factors why these schools remain the best in the city. You’ll also understand the pros and cons of studying in the best international schools in Abu Dhabi. Read further!
Top 10 Reasons to Study in Abu Dhabi
If you want to study in Abu Dhabi, you need to understand the education system in the United Arab Emirates. As said earlier, the UAE is typically known as a dynamic, young, incredible, politically stable, safe, and religious tolerance. However, it’s an excellent time to enroll your child in one of its best schools. Does that sound interesting? If that sounds like a YES! Check the top 10 reasons as listed below.
1. Enjoy Seeing Many Culture in One Location
If you’ve been craving to see many cultures in one location, Abu Dhabi is the right place. More so, emirates only make up approximately 20 percent of the country’s population, with the remainder coming from all over the Arab-Islamic world and beyond. Also, while most people speak English, Arabic and other languages are spoken.
2. Enjoy Excellent Educational Facilities
Undoubtedly, the educational system in Abu Dhabi is among the best in the country. And there are many opportunities available, from smaller private colleges to large public universities accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).
Aside from this fact, the students can continue with their major studies in confidence at high-quality institutions while experiencing all the benefits that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
3. Explore All Emirates (Seven)
Studying in any school is an opportunity to explore all the seven emirates in the country. Abu Dhabi, which is the largest emirate, is known for a high proportion of Emirati Nationals, tree-lined avenues, and many others, to mention a few. Another claim to fame is the ongoing development of Saadiyat Island, and this could also make you enjoy the country’s outdoor activities and the emirates.
4. Opportunity to Meet Great People
If you’re just hearing this for the first time, don’t be surprised. Arabs are known for their sincere hospitality, great sense of humor, and a strong sense of tradition. Not only that, but they welcome people from all over the world and are anxious to share their culture and values. This way, expect to spend long hours discussing home and learning about your host’s while feeling like one of the family.
5. Variety of Programs Available
If you’re looking to enroll your children in any school in Abu Dhabi, finding the best one should be your first step. In any school in the United Arab Emirates, you can check for various programs you’ll hardly find in other countries. So, be rest assured that you’ll see the course that’d meet your specifications.
6. Proximity to Comfort Zone
If you’re a resident in the United Arab Emirates, always know that the added advantages that you’ll get by studying here are plenty. Moreover, you can save up on extra costs such as accommodation and travel. Aside from that, you will not experience the homesickness that comes with going to school.
7. Develop Valuable Skills
You can grow as a person if you choose to study in Abu Dhabi over any other international school in the world. In fact, living in a new place can be tough sometimes, especially at the beginning, but that could test your ability to adapt to new situations. This means you’ll learn how to be more independent, mature, and self-confident. Not only that, but it could allow you to learn analytical skills and more.
8. Make New Friends and Build Network
Of course, studying in the best university, colleges, or primary schools will definitely give room to build a network. And this contributes to one of the biggest benefits of studying overseas. Moreover, joining one of your college’s clubs can be an excellent start to meet new friends and build a network of people that shares the same interest with you.
9. Boost Your Career Prospect
It’s no doubt that when you study abroad, you’ll definitely boost your career prospect. Besides, earning a degree from a world-class university or institution will definitely enhance your career opportunities and give you a competitive edge in the global marketplace. On the flip side, your first choice should be choosing the right program that fits your interest at the international schools for you.
10. Avenue to Sharpen your Language Skills
Regardless of the institution, you choose to study, traveling to study abroad will boost your language skills. And this is solely because you’ll learn the language by living it, not just by reading it in the textbooks. So, this should be your chance to explore the best schools, visit famous landmarks, beautiful countryside, and many others to mention a few.
Best International Schools in Abu Dhabi
There’s one aspect of education in Abu Dhabi that you need to be aware of. If you’re not an emirate citizen, you’ll be required to pay fees whether your child is attending private school or public schools in the country. In no doubt, education is only accessible to Emirati citizens. Well, let’s take a look at the schools in Abu Dhabi.
The British International School
The British International School, Abu Dhabi, remains the best among all. It offers a welcoming family community with the highest-quality learning opportunities as part of its Global Campus. The school educational strategies and relentless pursuit to continually improve their offering are what drive this commitment forward. With that being said, they also emphasize the standard of teaching.
Amity International School
Amity international school is another place to enroll your child. They provide an outstanding international education based on an enhanced British curriculum. In addition, this school is located on a state-of-the-art 15-acre campus, which is very close to Yas Island. More so, their education model is based on the National Curriculum of England, and it’s aimed at developing inquisitive, knowledgeable young people.
American International School
Having been the first school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the United Arab Emirates, the benefits of studying in this school cannot be overemphasized. This school celebrated its 25th anniversary as of 2020, having been established in 1995 to provide local and expatriate residents of Abu Dhabi with high-quality American education. Meanwhile, it offers education from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Abu Dhabi International School
In not much talk, you should also consider Abu Dhabi international school if you’re looking for the best school in the United Arab Emirates. This school is a true school that educates students from over 70 nationalities in a family, fun, friendly, yet disciplined environment.
Aside from that being mentioned, the flavor of the school is also reflected in the diversity of its academic programs. Again, AIS provides the opportunity for its students to graduate with an American program or the International Baccalaureate program.
Brighton College in Abu Dhabi
The Brighton College offers its pupils a vibrant and challenging learning environment and a distinctive British independent school ethos that reflects the values and dynamic cultures of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates at large. It’s located on Abu Dhabi Island in a purpose-built campus next to Khalifa Park. Also, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are committed to becoming the leading school.
Al Najah Private School
Al Najah Private School was founded in 1987 as a private international school from K-12 to provide the most comprehensive British curriculum as a college preparatory education to students. Meanwhile, they also educate young men and women to be capable of initiative and critical thinking, who will serve as role models in a global society.
Virginia Internal Private School
This international school aims to produce life-long learners who are creative, innovative, and highly competitive in the modern economy and champions of UAE culture and heritage. Aside from this fact, they are a lead school in the United Arab Emirates, developing all learners for successful participation in society and the world. They follow the British curriculum while their language of instruction is English.
Ajyal International School
Another bright school to enroll your child in the United Arab Emirate is the Ajyal international school. They are committed to being meaningful and relevant to their academic, personal, and social life using the significant learning model.
Also, they provide active learning experiences, avoiding rote learning. Not only that, but they use different means of assessment that are educative, standardized, and performance-based. Moreover, they adhere to the highest standards of student physical safety.
German International School
The German International School Abu Dhabi is a German international school in the city. Aside from this, the United Arab Emirates certifies this school as an excellent German abroad school by the German government. Also, they value their staff, employ a new method of improving the learning process, and develop the knowledge and other character necessary to succeed.
Al Mamoura Academy
At this academy, their vision is to provide an innovative learning community to nurture their learners through collaboration, leadership, and creativity. In their commitment to the vision of students, they strive to educate the whole child and to give every student the quality education and learning experiences that they deserve while playing a full and active role in the country’s local, national and international communities.
How to Choose Suitable Schools
Abu Dhabi is a city in the United Arab Emirates which has seen immense progress in its educational system in the past 20 years. With a countless number of schools offering excellent education, varied curriculum, and outstanding facilities, it can be tough knowing where to start in the pursuit of a school.
However, with very little information and groundwork, it doesn’t essentially have to be a worrying experience. Therefore, having specific pointers in mind while looking at schools will help you ease into the process and eventually find the best-fitting school for your child. Below are the ways to choose beautiful schools in Abu Dhabi.
Check Ranking
The United Arab Emirates has the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC) to keep the quality of education in check. Also, KHDA reviews schools across the country, and it stated that they should be a review based on their rank and quality of education they provide. Besides, the ranking of these schools is readily available on the internet.
School Curriculum
The school curriculum is another thing to put into consideration. With so many options in curriculums that schools in Abu Dhabi have to offer, it’s a task to understand the school curriculum that’s best suited to your child. At this stage, parents have to talk to their children and understand their interests to make the final decision.
Facilities
Facilities are another thing to take into consideration when choosing the best schools in the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, there’s no denying fact that higher secondary schools in Abu Dhabi have some of the best facilities for its student but making sure that the facilities in the school are large enough to house competitions, sports, and cultural programs. The school should also have well-equipped math labs, chemistry and physics labs, playgrounds for sports, auditoriums for cultural events, and more.
Check Teaching Standard
The standard of teaching is also a criterion that parents often tend to forget to check. With an eligible teaching faculty, a school can amplify its teaching method in the United Arab Emirates. And this is solely because; the teaching and non-teaching faculty of a school are maintained by the standard of education and qualified staff.
Also, making sure that your child’s reports are shared with you by their teachers is important. Besides, seeing that teachers can communicate with you gives an insight into the progress of your child.
Schooling Cost
If you want to choose suitable schools in the United Arab Emirates, another thing to consider is the schooling cost. And this is because it’s an important criterion that parents need to pay attention to. On the flips side, if a school is out of your budget, then there’s no point in looking further into the details of the school. Therefore, out of the schools listed above, select the ones that meet your budget.
Merit/School Record
Choosing a school that has an outstanding record in the past is one thing that’d help your children learn and understand the school system better. More so, having a look at a school’s records enables you to make a decision based on the performance of the school. Some of the merits include past achievements like awards won and many others, to mention a few. So, it’s crucial to pay attention to your child’s needs before you enroll them in the best international school.
Benefits of Education in 21st Century
Education is undoubtedly one of the most important investments a country can make in its citizen’s future. And this is because; education is a powerful agent of change, and it improves health and livelihoods while we contribute to social stability and economic growth. Now, take a look at the benefits of education.
Creating More Employment Opportunities
Studying in the best school gives students an ahead over the job market. Finding a job is not easy because you need to compete with hundreds of other candidates for a vacant position. However, if you’re suitable to go to the best international schools, you’ll get a greater chance in the job market.
Securing a Higher Income
People with higher education and varied experience are more likely to get high-paying expert jobs. Moreover, your credentials are what will motivate a potential employer to choose you instead of another candidate. Once you graduate, you can start searching for jobs that’d allow you to practice what you have learned and secure sufficient pay during the process.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Another benefit of education in this 21st century is to develop several problem-solving skills. When children become adults, they’re faced with a lot of challenging issues. And going to school in this 21st century will allow you to meet your need by providing for the family, buy a car, and help the family.
Help Improve the Economy
Undoubtedly, people with good academic and sound educational backgrounds tend to get well-paid jobs in today’s world. More so, the higher the education, the better they become and contribute to improving the economy. This way, education helps countries grow economically since it’s about getting knowledge.
Providing Prosperous Life
Education has always secured respect from society at large. Therefore, if you want to ensure a comfortable lifestyle, you should educate yourself and obtain a well-paid job to be successful and satisfied. Not only that, but it helps gain a better reputation and increases the chance of climbing the career ladder more easily and faster.
Bridging the Gap
Digital education helps connect with people and organizations globally. And this is because of the education you have. Also, being able to communicate and share opinions with people from other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Dhabi
What are the best schools in Abu Dhabi?
Without further ado, you can check the information above to know the ones we’ve compiled in this article. Education in Abu Dhabi is becoming increasingly popular, and the only way to navigate to this system is to enroll in the best international school. You can refer to the guide above for the benefits.
Is education free for non-citizens in Abu Dhabi?
As disclosed earlier, the UAE government only gives their citizens priority for free education. Moreover, 95 percent of all-girl and 80 percent of boys enrolled in the final year of secondary school apply for admission to a higher education institution. This means education is not free for non-residents in the United Arab Emirates.
Is Abu Dhabi better than Dubai in education?
Abu Dhabi is considered a traditional city that’s calmer and more focused on a good lifestyle and a good work-life balance. As the capital city, Abu Dhabi is great when you wish to have fun and the best education. So, we can tell you that there are more educational facilities in Abu Dhabi, unlike in Dubai.
Is Abu Dhabi expensive for students to live in?
Of course, since Abu Dhabi is the capital city, you should expect an expensive lifestyle. The cost of living is high, and the city is ranked 40th out of 209 in cities Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2018 and the second most expensive place to live in the Middle East along with Dubai.
Can I get a free scholarship in UAE?
Of course, yes! Expats can definitely get a scholarship in any of the schools mentioned above. However, if you meet the requirements, you’ll be given the necessary support. However, you need to understand the process before you apply.
Conclusion
Finding the best international school in Abu Dhabi could be a daunting process. That’s why; we have compiled this article to explain everything needed to help you get the best. If you wish to know more about Abu Dhabi, refer to our article for more information.
