The tradition of Swiss education in Dubai: boarding school Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

The search for a decent boarding school this time took me far beyond the borders of the European continent. At the annual conference on secondary education abroad in Frankfurt, my attention was drawn to one of the strongest schools in the UAE - the Swiss school with the International Baccalaureate program in Dubai with 92% of international students. What attracts Europeans to get IB in the Arabian Peninsula? Read more about the amazing IB school in the heart of Dubai with the traditions of Swiss education in my interview with a representative of the school.

My advice: take a look at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai if you are aiming for the privileged education of Swiss private schools or have interests in the Middle East.

L: School in Dubai is a real exotic for a Ukrainian family. Why should parents pay attention to your school?

P: Many parents see us as an alternative to Swiss schools. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai was founded by a Swiss businessman, building on traditions in the education of his country. At the same time, the prices are quite affordable, as for Swiss schools of this level. Plus, studying in Dubai means great weather from October to April, a safe environment and incredibly fun time in a city with beaches and huge shopping centers.

L: Who are your students?

P: 92% of 1000 students are international students. A total of 62 nationalities are represented: Swiss, Germans, British, French, Americans in the majority. Many British and American families involved in the business in the UAE send their children to our school. Starting this year, we have students from Russia, Kazakhstan, and we expect the first Ukrainian student in January.

L: What is the campus of the school? Swiss schools surprise with their modern campuses - can you compete here?

P: Campus - 69 thousand sq. m is a real modern university town. Plus, just 5 minutes from the beach. We opened the residence in September this year. The first were 55 boys. From next year we invite girls too. At the age of 11 to 15, children live in double rooms, and already in high school, they move to single rooms. All rooms with built-in bathrooms. Everything is completely new, so we have the right to compete with schools in Switzerland for the best campus.

L: Do students stay at the end of school in the United Arab Emirates or go to other countries?

P: All students study an International Baccalaureate program, therefore they freely enter universities around the world. Mostly to British and American universities. Much Swiss go to Switzerland, Germans to Germany. Academically, we are a very strong school, many times stronger than the Swiss schools. Our teachers are of a high level, mainly English, Americans, Swiss, Germans and French.

L: What kind of children do you want to see in the ranks of your students?

P: Every child is different. We have no idea about the ideal student. The main thing is the desire to learn. Of course, we look at school performance, athletic performance and the level of English. Admission to grades 6-9 is easier than in senior: we have a strong preparation in English, so we will not demand a high level of English from children aged 11-15. For older students, the requirements will be higher. For admission, all students must pass online tests in mathematics and English. Those who wish can come with their family to our school on an excursion and at the same time pass all the tests.

L: Is the English preparation an ESL program? Is it included in the tuition fees?

P: That's right, students study English as a second language (English as a foreign language). The cost of training covers by school fee, this applies to ESL, as well as additional fees, including health insurance and visa support.

Conclusions: As an alternative to studying in Switzerland, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai has a high academic level, teaching students under the IB program. Despite the fact that the choice of the country may seem exotic for someone, European and American families have long discovered education in the UAE.