Britain as an Educational Destination: Why Do Saudi Students Prefer In-Person Learning in the Age of AI?

Studying English abroad is no longer merely a traditional step toward acquiring an academic skill; it has evolved into a comprehensive life experience that reshapes students’ perspectives and develops their personal and professional skills. Despite the accelerating digital revolution and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence applications and online learning platforms, the United Kingdom continues to lead as a preferred destination and a major choice for Saudi students and professionals seeking to build a solid linguistic and academic foundation.

The continued presence of Saudi students at British language institutes and universities is driven by a desire to experience “full immersion” in the language’s native environment, where classroom learning integrates with the details of everyday life. This provides an education based on direct human interaction, offers exposure to multiple cultures, and strengthens the values of independence and time management, in line with the aspirations of Saudi talent to contribute effectively to major development projects.

Student Khalid Al-Enezi explained that his decision to choose the United Kingdom as a destination for studying English was driven by his desire to experience the language in its native environment, where direct daily interaction with British society and everyday life is the most influential factor in accelerating comprehension and developing linguistic fluency.

Khalid Al-Enezi 

Al-Enezi stressed that despite technological advances and artificial intelligence solutions that support self-directed learning, education inside traditional classrooms gives the experience a distinctive interactive dimension. Live dialogue with teachers and fellow students helps overcome the fear of speaking, provides immediate correction of language mistakes, and builds confidence when speaking in front of others.

He emphasized that the true value of studying abroad goes beyond the academic aspect, describing it as a stage for personal development and self-growth. Living away from home requires self-reliance and careful organization of priorities and time, while studying alongside students of different nationalities provides an opportunity to broaden perspectives, embrace differences, and develop an open, global mindset.

Teacher Najwa Al-Muayyad explained that her decision to study English in the United Kingdom stemmed from her desire to experience a comprehensive linguistic journey in the language’s native environment. The British setting provides opportunities for daily conversation with native speakers while opening broad horizons for cultural exposure, building independence, and developing the communication and academic skills needed as a preparatory step toward pursuing her postgraduate studies and obtaining a master’s degree in psychology.

Najwa Al-Muayyad

Drawing on her previous experience with online learning, Al-Muayyad stressed that in-person classroom education remains the most effective option because it provides direct human interaction with teachers and fellow students, as well as immediate feedback and corrections that help overcome the fear of speaking and increase levels of concentration and commitment. She also noted that classrooms provide a dynamic space for building friendships and engaging in rich cultural exchange that virtual solutions cannot replace.

On a personal level, Al-Muayyad explained that living in Britain, specifically in the city of Liverpool, had taught her profound lessons about the concept of work-life balance. She observed firsthand a culture that values respect for time and professional productivity while also dedicating space to exercise, hobbies, and strengthening social relationships. She emphasized that the British experience had given her a comprehensive perspective on a balanced life that combines achievement, health, and the building of meaningful human connections.

Saudi student Alloush Al-Otaibi explained that his decision to choose Britain to study English was driven by the fact that it is the native home of the language, in addition to its rich history, calm atmosphere, and friendly people.

Al-Otaibi stressed that direct, in-person education is indispensable during the foundational stage compared with online learning, as it encourages commitment and a sense of responsibility while providing opportunities for real-life practice, direct communication with the local community, and adaptation to different accents.

He noted that his four-month period of study contributed to developing his life experience, strengthening his self-reliance, and building diverse cultural relationships through which he could share Saudi customs and traditions while learning about the cultures of other peoples.

Al-Otaibi concluded by praising the empowerment of young people taking place in the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He stressed that the promising opportunities and major projects of the Public Investment Fund require qualified Saudi talent capable of contributing effectively to the continued journey of development and nation-building.

Marta Martínez García, Director of Kaplan International Languages in Liverpool, told *Al Riyadh newspaper* in an exclusive statement that Britain remains an exceptional educational destination for international students thanks to the combination it offers of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and full linguistic immersion, which strengthens students’ independence beyond the classroom.

García explained that despite technological developments and the artificial intelligence tools used by the institute to support self-directed learning, in-person education remains an indispensable pillar for building human communication and acquiring language naturally through its use in everyday situations.

Drawing on her seven years of experience, the institute director noted that Britain continues to attract large numbers of Saudi students seeking admission to prestigious British universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She stressed that through its pathways, preparatory programmes, and cultural workshops, the institute works to prepare students academically and linguistically and facilitate their integration into the local community to ensure a smooth transition into university life.

Marta Martínez García, Director of Kaplan International Languages in Liverpool