Experiential Learning

At any given point in the school year, during term time, summer break or winter holidays, it is not unusual to find DIS senior students gaining first-hand experience beyond the classroom, working across a range of professional environments.

Real Exposure to Real Industries

This is made possible through a dedicated Experiential Learning division within the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation. Through this structure, students are carefully matched and connected to opportunities aligned with their interests, strengths and future ambitions, whether within Al-Futtaim–affiliated companies or with leading organisations across the wider region.

Through the school’s relationship with Al-Futtaim–affiliated companies, students are able to access workplace experiences across a broad range of sectors. These include areas such as engineering, automotive, retail, real estate, education, healthcare, technology and corporate services. Exposure to such environments allows students to understand professional expectations, workplace culture and the skills required in different industries.

 For many students, this is their first opportunity to see how subjects studied at school translate into real roles and responsibilities.


These experiences are purposeful, guided and aligned with students’ interests and future ambitions.

 


Learning Beyond the Timetable

Experiential learning at DIS extends beyond internships alone. 

Across the school, students engage in:

  • subject-based challenges and competitions
  • educational visits linked directly to curriculum learning
  • leadership roles and student-led initiatives
  • service learning and project-based experiences

International learning opportunities, including DIS On Tour and our Duke of Edinburgh International Award, further broaden students’ perspectives. 

These programmes allow students to engage with new cultures, environments and ways of thinking, building independence, confidence and global awareness.

Preparing Students for What Comes Next

In Sixth Form, experiential learning plays a particularly important role. For students following the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme, real-world experience supports academic reflection, informed decision-making and personal growth.

Students leave these experiences with a clearer understanding of their strengths, interests and next steps. They learn how to communicate professionally, work collaboratively and reflect critically, skills that are essential for university, employment and adult life.

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