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Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: School trips for Dh13,000? Why some educators support costly overseas travel
With the academic year nearing its end, many UAE schools are already planning ahead for 2025–26 — and international school trips are making a strong comeback. However, not all parents are on board, especially as prices for these trips can climb up to Dh13,000. Several schools have already started sending out circulars and organising presentations for interested parents, with some even asking for deposits months in advance. While some parents welcome the opportunity for students to gain international exposure, others are questioning whether these trips are necessary or even fair. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Funding expectations Dubai-based American expat Natalia Miranda is among the parents voicing concerns. 'I'm not in favour of these trips,' she told Khaleej Times. 'In the US, students usually don't go on international trips unless they're at least 16. These trips go against our family values. On top of already high school fees, we're expected to cover costs for extracurriculars, local trips, costume days — and now this?' Miranda also highlighted the peer pressure these trips create. "Children discuss them at school, and when they come home, parents are left having to explain why it's okay not to participate. What suits one family may not suit another. For us, skiing in Switzerland or going on a mission trip to Sri Lanka just isn't realistic. I'd rather take my child to Kerala and support local causes.' She also pointed out a cultural gap in funding expectations. 'In the US, students raise money through bake sales or car washes. Here, parents just foot the bill. That removes an important learning experience around budgeting and value.' Opportunity for learning On the other hand, French expat, Christine Quartier La Tente, a mother of one, can be be truly transformative. She shared that her daughter, Daria, went on a school trip to Japan last year, which cost the family Dh13,000 — an expense she described as well worth it. "She came back more independent, confident, and curious. She and her friend even went grocery shopping on their own. more in a week than they could have in a semester," Christine said. Christine emphasised the lasting impact of the experience. She noted that these trips are more than just travel — they're an opportunity for children to step out of their comfort zones, safely. 'My daughter is in secondary school and she returned with a new perspective. As parents, we were proud to see her manage on her it was time management or budget," she shared. Effective learning tool Educators also support the idea of international travel as a learning tool — particularly from Grade 6 and up. 'Overseas trips offer more than just sightseeing. They help children expand their worldview. It's an immersive experience that combines learning, teamwork, time management, and cultural exchange," said Abhilasha Singh, principal at Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi. "It teaches empathy and independence, skills that are hard to build in the classroom alone," she added. She acknowledged the financial burden but added that schools try to help. 'We try to arrange sponsorships where possible, especially for mission trips or competitions. In fact, one of our teacher's spouses recently helped us arrange funding for a group trip.' Carefully-chosen trips Colin Gerrie, principal of Uptown International School, echoed these views, saying trips are carefully chosen to align with academic goals. "While we strive to offer unique and diverse experiences, we ensure that all activities are directly tied to learning goals, whether they are local or international," Colin said. 'Our guiding principle is to enhance students' understanding of specific subjects through hands-on and personal experiences that deepen their academic, cultural, and social knowledge," said Colin. "We believe that each trip must have a clear, measurable educational purpose, and we work diligently to avoid decisions based solely on prestige or perception," he added. He noted that each trip is thoroughly reviewed at the end of the year to assess its impact and value.
Khaleej Times
06-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE work permit for private tuitions makes at-home studies more affordable for parents
Parents in the UAE are highlighting how licensed tutors in the UAE are increasingly assisting parents with personalised leaning support. This has not only expanded access to teachers, allowing parents to choose from a larger pool of tutors, but also made tuition rates more competitive. In December 2023, private tutoring was legalised in the UAE, with authorities introducing a new permit to allow lessons outside of educational institutions. The permit is available to registered teachers, current employees, unemployed individuals, students aged 15 to 18, and university students. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Value for money Dubai resident Arijit Nandi whose son learns Arabic from a tutor based in Abu Dhabi said: 'My son has been getting extra help in Arabic from a private tutor because his school grades weren't good and I didn't want him to struggle. But with his plate already full of extracurricular activities, the idea of adding in-person tutoring along with the hassle of pick-up, drop-off, and extra transport costs just wasn't practical. So, my wife found a highly recommended online Arabic tutor in the capital instead, which makes things much easier for both parties.' He added: 'Ever since private tutoring has been legalised in the UAE, more qualified tutors have entered the market, offering lessons at affordable rates like Dh60 an hour, which I pay, because they know otherwise parents can always opt for others. Some people pay even lesser. Also, as tutors are now licensed, I feel much more confident knowing my son is learning from a credible and approved teacher.' 'Makes this service more accessible' American expat Natalia Miranda's eight-year-old son also takes private lessons for English and Math. Miranda said, 'When I inquired about private tutoring for both the subjects, a centre quoted Dh200 per hour per subject, but that only covered a 45-minute session. With at least two sessions per week, the cost was too high for me. So, I decided to enrol him in in-person classes at a centre in JLT, paying for a term-based package at Dh100 per class. 'Much as I appreciate the move, I am a bit sceptical about the metrics these private tutors might be using and what their benchmarks are, but I'll rely on recommendations. For older kids, I think it's a good approach since they already have a foundation in subjects like English and Math. They'll mainly work on strengthening what they already know. This makes the service more accessible, allowing more people to participate. We can even share resources among ourselves – like having someone come to the house, with his friend also attending, so we could potentially get a discount for a larger group of students.' Seeking transparency Jordanian-Palestinian educator Sajida Al Bashir, who has dedicated 30 years to the field, appreciated the country's decision to open licences for private tutors. However, she pointed out certain discrepancies in the practice. 'The laws and fees should be a little more transparent. You can't have one tutor charging Dh500 per hour while another charges Dh100; it often depends on a family's financial situation. At least that is what I have seen.' Bashir, who now works as a supervisor for Quality and Assessment at the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, added, 'While tutoring creates a pool of available teachers, clear policies, regulations, and security checks are essential. Personally, I believe that if a child pays attention in class and does not have learning difficulties, additional support may not be necessary.' ALSO READ:
