Dubai vs England: What's the best destination to learn English in 2025?
Choosing the ideal destination to learn English can completely transform your exchange experience. Dubai and England represent two fascinating options for Brazilians in 2025, each with unique characteristics that can perfectly align with their expectations. In this guide, we'll compare these destinations in key ways to help you make an informed decision about where to invest in your language future.
Visa and financial proof processes
When planning an exchange for Learn a language abroad, one of the first challenges is understanding the visa requirements. For Dubai, Brazilians need a relatively easy-to-obtain student visa. The process takes between 7 and 14 days, with basic documentation: proof of enrollment in the course, valid passport, and international health insurance. Financial proof is not as strict as in other destinations, making it easier for those with a limited budget.
In England, on the other hand, the process requires more attention. For courses of 6 to 11 months, you will need the Short-term Study Visa, while for longer periods the Student Visa will be required. Requirements include more robust financial proof (around £1,334 monthly outside London or £1,694 in London), as well as proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS. The processing time can reach 8 weeks, requiring more advance planning on the part of the Brazilian student.
Cost of living and price of courses
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing an exchange destination. Compare the average values between Dubai and England:
- Dubai:
- Monthly cost of living: AED 4,500 to AED 6,500 (approximately R$ 6,300 to R$ 9,100)
- English courses: Starting at US$ 265 per week (about R$ 1,400) with accommodation
- Accommodation: Options starting at US$ 180 per week in complete packages
- England:
- Monthly cost of living: £900 to £1,400 (approximately R$ 5,800 to R$ 9,000)
- English courses: Starting at US$ 650 per week (about R$ 3,400) with accommodation
- Accommodation: Significantly more expensive, especially in London
- Food and transportation:
- Dubai: Affordable Public Transportation and Diversified Food Options
- England: Efficient but more expensive transport system with a wide gastronomic range
Job opportunities while studying
In Dubai, job opportunities for international students are plentiful and flexible. The market values professionals who speak Portuguese and English, especially in sectors such as tourism, hospitality and customer service. Wages for part-time jobs range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 per month (approximately R$ 2,100 to R$ 5,600). A significant advantage is that there is no time limit for working in Dubai, allowing you to balance studies and work according to your financial need.
In England, foreign students can work up to 20 hours a week during their term of study. The salaries are attractive, ranging from £8 to £12 per hour, which can result in £640 to £960 monthly (approximately R$ 4,100 to R$ 6,200). Although the price is higher than in Dubai, it is important to consider that the cost of living is also higher. The British market offers opportunities in diverse areas, such as hospitality, retail, and education, providing valuable experiences for your international curriculum.
Cultural adaptation and climate
Adapting to a new country involves several aspects that can significantly influence your learning experience. Take a look at the main differences:
- Weather in Dubai: Hot and dry for most of the year, with temperatures often above 40°C in summer. This may be familiar to Brazilians from warm regions, but the intense heat may surprise during the months of June to September.
- Weather in England: Temperate and unpredictable, with cold winters (5-10°C) and mild summers (15-25°C). Adaptation can be challenging for Brazilians who are used to the heat, especially during winter when the days are short and rainy.
- Cultural environment in Dubai: Extremely cosmopolitan, with 88% of the population comprised of expatriates. This diversity creates a welcoming environment for foreigners, with well-established international communities, including Brazilians.
- Cultural environment in England: Rich in history and traditions, offering authentic immersion in Anglophone culture. Cities like London are extremely diverse, while smaller areas provide a more traditional British experience.
- Language barrier: In Dubai, English is widely spoken as a business language, but Arabic is the official language. In England, immersion is complete, with English in every aspect of everyday life.
Educational system and teaching methodologies
The English language education system in Dubai stands out for its focus on practical skills and for its international influence. Schools often adopt modern methodologies, combining British curriculum with innovative approaches. Classes tend to be smaller and more diverse, with students of various nationalities, which creates a rich multicultural environment for practicing English in real contexts. Teachers are generally native speakers from countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, and Australia, ensuring exposure to different accents and expressions.
Networking and career prospects
Choosing between Dubai and England should also consider networking and professional development opportunities. Dubai positions itself as a global business hub, connecting East and West, and offers access to an international network of contacts in emerging sectors. Events for students and professionals are frequent, facilitating valuable connections that can open doors to future employment opportunities in the Gulf region or internationally.
England, for its part, offers networking in one of the most traditional and respected markets in the world. Studying in the country provides contact with centuries-old institutions and global companies based in London. Experience in the British market is highly valued in Brazil, and the certificates of proficiency obtained in the country are recognized worldwide. Many schools promote specific activities for professional integration, such as career fairs and company visits.
For Brazilians with international career goals, both destinations offer distinct advantages: Dubai represents access to emerging and rapidly growing markets in the Middle East and Asia, while England provides connections with the European and North American markets, in addition to a globally recognized educational tradition.
Post-exchange perspectives
Upon completion of your studies, the possibilities of extending your stay or changing visa status vary significantly between destinations. In Dubai, after completing an English course, there is the possibility of transitioning to work visas if you receive a job offer, especially in sectors such as hospitality, aviation and technology, where there is a demand for multilingual professionals.
In England, post-study options have been reformulated in recent years. Students who complete longer courses can apply for the Graduate Route, which allows them to remain in the country for up to two years to seek employment. However, for English language courses, the options are more limited, often requiring a switch to higher education student visas or sponsored work visas.
This aspect deserves special consideration for those who plan to use the exchange as a gateway to longer professional experiences or even permanent immigration. To maximize these opportunities, it's essential to carefully plan your educational journey from the start.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is prepared to make your dream of learning English abroad a reality, whether in Dubai or England. We offer full support from choosing the destination to your adaptation in the country, including assistance with visas, course selection, and accommodation. Our expert advisors analyze your profile and objectives to recommend the ideal program for your needs. Contact us today and start planning your international journey for 2025!
