SABIS^® students benefit in many ways from being a part of the global SABIS^® School Network. They study an international, college-preparatory curriculum; they learn in environments which are focused on optimizing learning efficiency; and they benefit from the use of cutting-edge technology. Most recently, students in the SABIS^® School Network added another benefit – the opportunity to participate in the SABIS^® Study Abroad Program at the SABIS^® International School – UK. In terms 2 and 3 of the 2012-13 academic year, interested SABIS^® students in grades 7, 8, and 9 (Levels I, J, and K) relocated to the idyllic SIS-UK campus, where they lived as boarding students and had an experience of a lifetime.

Interested students attending SABIS^® member schools were given the chance to apply for the program in the fall of the 2012-13 academic year. In order to qualify for consideration in the SAP, students had to show an overall passing average and active engagement in Student Life. Students also had to have a positive behavior record.

“The Study Abroad Program has turned out to be a resounding success,” said Mr. Salah Ayche, SABIS^® Executive Regional Director. “We hosted over 94 students in Term 2 and over 110 students in Term 3.”

In an effort to extend the program to all students, scholarships were offered to those who met financial criteria in addition to the general admission criteria, namely an overall average above 85/100; an excellent disciplinary record; and active involvement in the SABIS Student Life Organization^®. As a result, 31 students in Term 2 received scholarships and 33 in Term 3.

“True to the mission of SIS-UK to cater to an international student body, we had students from 30 different countries enrol in the SAP,” commented Mr. Ayche. “They came from 22 different SABIS^® member schools and had a life-changing experience by all accounts.”

The students were equally enthusiastic about their experience in the SAP. Here is some of what they had to say:

“The campus is wonderful; the landscape is so peaceful! You can take walks that are relaxing and the view is amazing. I really enjoyed the trips and the DJ nights. Also the school spirit that was created among all of us is an incredible experience. It is so good to experience being responsible for yourself. You get to know yourself better.”
-- Student from ISR, Germany

“Anyone who joins this program learned so many things and was able to become independent.”
-- Student from ISC-Ras Al-Khaima, U.A.E.

“I joined the program because I thought it would be an amazing experience, and it turned out to be one of my favorite experiences so far. I also came here to gain confidence, learn how to take care of myself, and learn how to act and speak with other people.”
-- Student from ISC-Sharjah, U.A.E.