JEDDAH, 1 December 2003 — Saudis spend about SR150 million annually in Britain alone learning English. The amount includes the cost of studies, housing and food, Al-Eqtisadiah, a sister publication of Arab News, reported yesterday.
The paper quoting statistics issued by the Association of Recognized English Language Schools (ARELS) estimated the number of Saudis studying in British language schools at more than 25,000.
“The number of Saudis coming to Britain annually to learn English ranged between 22,800 and 25,700 over the past six years,” the paper said, adding that they were distributed among nearly 400 English language schools in the country.
“The number reached its lowest level in 2001 because of the Sept. 11 attacks,” the paper said adding that only 22,835 students went to Britain that year. But last year, the number rose to 24,180 students.
A top official of Harrow House International Colleges in London and Swanage said Saudi students accounted for 20 percent of its enrollment. “The number of Saudi students increases during summer,” he added.
Some 1.5 million students from different countries visit Britain annually to learn English. “They spend about 8 billion pounds (SR51.36 billion) on studies and living. This amount plays a big role in boosting the economy,” the association said.
Many British families take in language students, which provides opportunities for the students to experience ordinary life in the UK while opening a window on a different culture for the families.
