In an increasingly connected world, English has become an important part of education, communication and professional growth. From university campuses and research laboratories to international workplaces, it helps people share ideas, access knowledge and connect across borders. For students aspiring to study abroad, explore international careers, collaborate with people from different countries or enter emerging industries, strong English proficiency has become an essential skill.
As global education continues to evolve, so do the expectations placed on learners. Universities are no longer looking only at students’ knowledge of the English language. They also want students who can think critically, understand complex ideas, communicate effectively and adapt to different academic environments. At the same time, students are looking for learning experiences that are accessible, flexible and relevant to the way they live and study today.
These changing expectations are influencing how English is taught and assessed. The TOEFL iBT® test is evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of learners while strengthening its presence in important education markets, including the UAE.
The UAE’s Growing Influence on Global Education
The UAE has emerged as one of the region’s most ambitious education destinations. With internationally recognised universities, global academic partnerships and a commitment to attracting international talent, the country continues to strengthen its position in higher education.
For TOEFL, the UAE represents more than an important market. It is a strategic partner in shaping the future of international education and student mobility.
According to Omar Shehan, General Manager of TOEFL, the UAE’s approach stands out because of its focus on attracting students and developing educational pathways that support long-term national ambitions. Rather than simply increasing student numbers, the emphasis is on connecting learners with academic opportunities that match their aspirations.
Interview with Omar Shehan | “The UAE’s Role in the Future of Student Mobility”
In this interview, Omar Shehan discusses why the UAE has become an important market in TOEFL’s regional growth strategy, how international student mobility is changing and why connecting students with the right educational opportunities matters in today’s global education landscape.
This reflects a wider change taking place in international education. For many students, the challenge today is not necessarily finding opportunities, but choosing from an increasingly large number of universities, programmes, study destinations and career pathways.
As international student mobility grows, students need reliable guidance, recognised qualifications and the right tools to identify opportunities that suit their ambitions and abilities. TOEFL’s growing focus on supporting this journey reflects the important role of English language assessment in helping students access international education.
English for a New Era of Learning
The meaning of English proficiency is changing.
In the past, language assessments often focused heavily on grammar, accuracy and vocabulary. While these remain important, today’s academic environments require much more. Students are expected to evaluate information, participate in discussions, work with others and communicate their ideas clearly across different formats.
This shift is influencing both university admission expectations and the way English language assessments are designed.
According to David Hand, Vice President, learners today expect educational experiences that are faster, simpler, more digital and better suited to the way they live and study. Universities, meanwhile, increasingly value skills such as critical thinking, information synthesis, organisation of ideas and effective communication.
Interview with David Hand | “Redefining English Proficiency for the Modern Learner”
In this interview, David Hand explores how learner expectations are changing, why academic success requires more than language knowledge alone and how TOEFL is adapting to support students preparing for modern academic and professional environments.
The conversation highlights an important point: English learning is not simply about acquiring language skills. It is also about preparing students to participate confidently in international academic communities.
The ability to understand, analyse, discuss and communicate ideas effectively has become an important part of academic readiness.
Reimagining the TOEFL Experience
Meeting the changing needs of learners requires continuous innovation.
Recent enhancements to the TOEFL iBT® test have been designed to make the assessment more accessible, relevant and reflective of today’s learning environments.
These updates include adaptive testing capabilities designed to better align the assessment with a student’s proficiency level, modernised content that reflects contemporary educational settings, and a simplified score scale aligned with international proficiency frameworks.
The reasons behind these changes are easy to understand. Educational environments today look very different from those of twenty years ago. Digital communication, online collaboration, artificial intelligence and technology-driven learning have changed the way students access information, interact with others and demonstrate their abilities.
As academic expectations change, English language assessments must keep pace.
The aim is to provide an assessment experience that measures English proficiency while reflecting the communication and thinking skills students will need throughout their academic and professional lives.
Building TOEFL’s Presence on the Ground in the UAE
While innovation is important, building relationships with the education community is equally necessary.
One of the clearest examples of TOEFL’s growing commitment to the UAE is its direct engagement with educators, counsellors, institutions and partners across the region.
Rather than simply sharing information about the assessment, TOEFL is creating opportunities for education stakeholders to experience it firsthand.
This approach was reflected in TOEFL Experience Day in Dubai, an initiative designed to improve understanding, encourage dialogue and provide greater transparency around the test experience.
According to Suzie Yaseen, Business Director, the objective was to give educators and counsellors a better understanding of how the assessment is designed, the skills it measures and how it supports student success.
Interview with Suzie Yaseen | “Building Trust Through TOEFL Experience Day”
In this interview, Suzie Yaseen explains the thinking behind TOEFL Experience Day in Dubai, the importance of transparency in educational assessment and how direct engagement with educators is helping strengthen TOEFL’s presence across the UAE and the wider region.
Perhaps the most important aspect of these initiatives is that they encourage a two-way exchange.
While educators gain a better understanding of TOEFL, the organisation also gets valuable insights into the changing needs of schools, counsellors, institutions and students. This approach helps build stronger relationships within the education community while ensuring that TOEFL remains responsive to local requirements.
The result is a stronger education network that supports both institutions and the students they serve.
The Student Perspective: What Success Really Requires
While education systems, assessment platforms and learning methods continue to evolve, success ultimately depends on the learner.
For Abdulrahman Hijazi, founder of Dalilk Academy and one of the region’s leading English language educators, successful language learning comes down to three important factors: mindset, strategy and consistency.
Students often underestimate the importance of confidence when learning a language. Many begin their English-learning journey with doubts shaped by previous experiences. Over time, these doubts can affect their willingness to practise, communicate and improve.
According to Hijazi, believing that improvement is possible is often the first and most important step.
Interview with Abdulrahman Hijazi | “The Student Journey to English Success”
In this interview, Abdulrahman Hijazi shares his thoughts on the mindset students need to succeed, the importance of effective learning strategies and how English proficiency can create opportunities in higher education and international careers.
Beyond mindset, he encourages students to concentrate on skills that have a practical impact, particularly listening, reading comprehension, communication and the ability to apply what they have learned.
His perspective is closely connected to the changing approach to English language assessment. Rather than relying mainly on memorisation, students are increasingly expected to demonstrate their ability to understand ideas, participate in discussions and communicate effectively in academic settings.
These are skills that students will use throughout university and beyond.
More Than an Assessment
The perspectives shared by Omar Shehan, David Hand, Suzie Yaseen and Abdulrahman Hijazi point to a common message: English proficiency is about much more than passing a language test. It is about opportunity.
It gives students access to international education, helps them explore career possibilities and allows them to participate in a global exchange of ideas. Just as importantly, it helps build the confidence, communication skills and critical thinking abilities needed to succeed in today’s academic and professional environments.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global education hub, TOEFL is working to support these pathways through assessment innovation, partnerships and engagement with educators and learners.
For students planning their future, English remains an important skill that can help turn educational ambitions into international opportunities.
About the TOEFL iBT® Test
The TOEFL iBT® test measures academic English proficiency for people pursuing higher education and other opportunities around the world. More than 13,500 institutions across over 160 countries and territories accept TOEFL iBT® scores. The test is part of the TOEFL Family of Assessments, powered by ETS. For more information, visit ets.org/toefl.