A spotlight on… Educating expatriates in the Middle East

16-08-2011

A traditionally tough market for the expat has woken up to the benefits of overseas talent. But what does this mean for businesses?

Up until two years ago good schools and availability of places were very limited in the Middle East. Many countries were trying to minimise the number of expatriates entering the region. But with the growth of the airline and construction industries in particular came the realisation in countries like Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE that in order to encourage a high calibre of workers from outside the region, they would need to accommodate families.

In the UAE, for example, land was given to international education companies to open good quality British and international schools. Many of these companies were British run and involved in the British Schools Inspections Service Ofsted. The resulting institutions are of good quality. There have, however, been a large number of other international schools opening over a very short period. These schools are of varying quality. Careful guidance is needed as families select their school options and visits are recommended. Education has become big business.

To find out more about expatriate education, contact our Education team.