Gulf News Edufair 2025: "Students need exposure, not just exams"

The future of education isn’t about straight A’s, it’s about real-world exposure, informed choices, and confidence. That was the message delivered by Varun Jain, Founder and CEO of UniHawk and A Learning Lab, during a powerful fireside chat at the Gulf News Edufair 2025, currently underway at the Al Massa Ballroom, H Hotel Dubai until May 11.

Drawing on his own journey from a small Indian town to building one of the UAE’s most impactful education consultancies, Jain challenged parents and students to shift focus from rote achievement to meaningful exploration. “College should be a conscious choice, not a default one,” he said. “We need to help our children define the lifestyle they want, and then figure out how education can support that.”

Jain founded The Learning Lab to bridge the gap between academic pressure and real-life preparedness. His approach is built on three pillars: mentorship, exposure, and clarity. “The first lab we ever encounter is our home. My parents never went to college, but they taught me the value of education, and to never make decisions from a place of fear.”

Today, his platform connects students with professionals across industries, from medicine to media, AI to law, through virtual internships, shadowing opportunities, and global collaborations. “These kids are hearing about billion-dollar valuations, but they don’t know what McKinsey or private equity actually is. We demystify it by connecting them with people who live it every day.”

Jain’s mission also extends to parents. “They’re scared of making the wrong choice for their children, and that fear leads to default decisions like ‘you’re good at biology, so become a doctor.’ We bring parents into the conversation, encouraging dinner-table discussions that start with: ‘What excites you?’”

Flagship programmes such as the Harvard Business & Leadership Boot Camp and Cambridge Tech Lead Boot Camp were also highlighted, run in collaboration with global institutions but delivered locally. “Not everyone can go to Harvard or Cambridge. We brought the experience here, accessible, affordable, and life-changing,” said Jain, who revealed he was accepted into Oxford himself but couldn’t afford to attend.

The Learning Lab’s initiatives go beyond academics. Jain spoke about curated international tours, from Oxford and NASA to volunteer missions in Nepal and Kenya, that help students develop independence, empathy, and global awareness. “Sending my daughter to Oxford at nine felt crazy, but it was the best decision. These experiences teach kids to be responsible, curious, and compassionate.”

Jain’s message was clear: mentorship doesn’t need to come from a formal programme. “Every parent should build a non-academic exposure calendar. Who will your child meet this term, a chef, an engineer, an artist? These encounters expand their vision of what’s possible.”

He also pushed back against the obsession with perfect grades. “We’ve had students with 80 per cent marks start businesses, pursue art, or land top university spots, not because of a polished resume, but because of purpose. A profile should be the byproduct of a journey, not the goal.”

In closing, Jain left the audience with three takeaways: “Gratitude, for your strengths. Consistency, even if it’s in one area of your life. And reading, not just textbooks, but anything that broadens your mind. If we read, our kids will too.”

Gulf News Edufair Dubai is happening this weekend, May 9–11, at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road — just steps from the World Trade Center Metro Station.

Enjoy free valet parking and exclusive gift bags for all attendees. Explore 1,000+ programmes from over 40 top universities and educational institutions, discover global study opportunities, meet career experts, attend seminars by 30+ thought leaders, and unlock exclusive offers and spot admissions — only at Edufair.

Register now: https://events.gulfnews.com/GulfNewsEdufair