While today our industry is focusing on online learning and international student travel, the foundations of organised education actually stretch back thousands of years. Let’s go on a fascinating journey through some of the world’s earliest classrooms!
In ancient Mesopotamia, around 3200 BC, the first known schools emerged to train scribes in the art of cuneiform—an early logo-syllabic writing system. These ‘tablet houses’ were typically attached to temples, where students would spend years mastering the complex system of wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets. The curriculum wasn’t just writing though. Students learned mathematics, literature, and even business documentation.
The ancient Egyptians took education seriously, though it was primarily reserved for boys from wealthy families. Students started their education around age seven, learning hieroglyphics, mathematics, and proper etiquette. Interestingly, teachers often used written texts with amusing themes to keep students engaged—an early example of making learning fun!
The Greeks revolutionised education by introducing a more holistic approach. Their gymnasium system combined physical education with academic learning, believing in the development of both mind and body. This concept of balanced education continues to influence educational philosophy today.
As the international education industry continues to evolve, it’s humbling to recognise that our predecessors laid the groundwork thousands of years ago. While our methods have certainly changed—from clay tablets to digital tablets—the core mission remains the same: preparing the next generation for a successful future.
So, the next time you’re discussing the latest trends in education technology or international student recruitment, remember that you’re actually part of a tradition that spans millennia. It’s certainly something to think about, right?
Written by Stephanie Clark
2025 SchoolsandAgents (C) - Developed by Websuccess