Learning becomes effortless when the instructor speaks your language. This might explain the popularity of StudyMate, a Dubai-based online peer-to-peer platform that connects students with tutors, especially since it’s free. Avyan Arya, a 14-year-old student from Dubai College, found himself anxious about an upcoming test when he stumbled upon a social media post about StudyMate. “I was looking for a relatable experience, and this seemed perfect. I could discuss things on a personal level with my tutor, Tang Li, and he could give me exam tips. The sessions felt like studying with a friend rather than a formal tuition,” he recalls in an interview with City Times. Tang provided resources and made the learning experience engaging and interactive. Over four weeks, Avyan covered various topics, from the reflex arc to enzymes in the eye and brain.
The platform was conceived by Advay Gupta, a Dubai College student who discovered his teaching abilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. His mother learned of a student in need of a tutor, and since Advay was already teaching his sister math, she suggested he try it. His effective communication skills quickly spread, attracting more students and peers interested in either learning from him or joining the initiative. Soon, he had more students than he could manage alongside his own commitments, including his GCSEs in year 11. Inspired by a US-based platform called Schoolhouse, which was tailored to the American curriculum, Advay saw an opportunity to create a similar platform for the UAE, where tutoring costs can range from Dh200 to Dh500 per hour.
StudyMate operates through teaching ‘camps’ run in batches rather than a continuous program. Interested students and potential tutors fill out forms on the website. For tutors, information is organized based on age, academic stage, credentials, and communication skills. For students, the focus is on understanding their learning needs. After reviewing applications, Gupta and his team—Prerit Bucha, Rami Alfahad, and Ayaan Cassim—conduct interviews with potential tutors, assessing their subject knowledge and communication skills. Successful candidates are listed on the website and connected with compatible students.
The project is labor-intensive, and Gupta is considering its future. “I’m hoping to find juniors or others willing to keep this going after I graduate. I’m looking for people to learn the ins and outs of StudyMate,” he says. One of the platform’s strengths is its flexibility, catering to various curricula in the UAE, including IB, British, American, CBSE, and GCSE. So far, around 70 students have signed up for tutoring, and 50 people have registered to teach. South African expat Mohammed Anas Sallie, who is studying Cambridge online, joined StudyMate to help others and gain tutoring experience. He recommends the platform to those considering a career in education, describing it as a manageable gateway into teaching.
Marketing for new batches often involves leveraging the ‘mum brigade’ through WhatsApp and Facebook groups. Gupta is also planning to expand tutoring to underserved communities, inspired by his visits to orphanages in India and Nepal through his other venture, Deserving Earth. Gupta’s mathematical prowess and strategic thinking have undoubtedly contributed to the success of StudyMate, earning it an A+.
