Teaching in UAE

Hello Josh, Welcome on Expat.com

Your discussion has been moved to the United Arabes Emirates forum for effective networking!

Regards

I am in the same boat! I have not started the process with TeachAway and am wondering if that is the best company to go through to obtain and great teaching position in the UAE. Any advice?

Hi Josh
i`m not a teacher but i can help to give u idea about the expenses here.
first of all... it depends on where r u going to live (Dubai or Abu Dhabi ) as a single it`s much easier to live here,this is some monthly expenses u have to conciser it:
( house, bills, food, transportation ) then it depends on ur life style.
for a single u need
(studio= 10000$ or 1 bedroom apartment = 13000$ yearly ) average price.
bills : (elec.+water+AC+internet)= 200 $ monthly.
food: ( grocery + house need )= 500 $ monthly
Car: sure it`s better to buy car here it`s not expensive check this website to have an idea about rental apartments and cars value:dubizzle.com
anyway the other expenses are different between person to other...
wish u have good job here, Good luck

SAEED

I am also interested in this thread. I am a 27 year old single female special education teacher, wondering what the monthly cost of living is like (I noticed many contracts include housing) and what  a reasonable salary is in Dubai/Sharjah.

Samza83

Have you looked at the teach away website about jobs in Dubai?  They have a lot of information.  Housing is included through their organization, not utilities or transportation.  With a masters I would be making about 4 grand US a month and it seems by what I have gathered you can save more than half of that.  To lease a car is around 400 to 500 us  a month.  If you have any more questions, post them, and hopefully we can get some teachers who have already taught there to give us some advice.

Josh

Hi Josh,
I have been teaching here for 18 months. I don't know about Teach Away but I can tell you to be careful with many schools here who hire teachers but don't pay salaries when promised.
Your profile says you are from Kansas City and as my origins are there, I can tell you the cost of living is much higher here than there. Salaries may look grand but if you want to live the high life of an expat or maintain an American life style, it will cost you.
Food, clothes, gas, utilities are cheaper in USA,than here unless you come from a pricey area of the US.
If you plan to buy a car here, used ones can be had at reasonable prices but they are NOT cheaper here than in the US. Here, you also have to pay for insurance and registration up front which could be as much as $1000. You can lease a car which is what many teachers I know have done. Be prepared to pay for toll roads which charge over a dollar each way. Also know that in many parts of UAE, you have to pay for parking and fines for parking and speeding are quite high. Utilities will stick you with a housing fee which is supposed to be 5% of the amount of the lease, so you could end up paying $100/month just for fees.
These are just a few things to know. Contact me if you want more info. Hope this helps.
Phyllis

Phyllis,

    I appreciate your honesty.  The main reason I'm considering coming is to have a chance to get a classroom.  Here education has tightened up with a lot of young teachers out of work especially on the west coast.  I feel if there is opportunity to teach, then I'll go about anywhere.  Were you hired by the public school system? (UAE educational council).. Did they place you right away or did you have to live in a hotel for a couple of months?  Also did you get the agreed upon salary when you arrived?  I don't want to live the high life, instead live within my means and save.  Have you been able to save and if you don't mind me asking how much do you make and spend on living.  Also are you enjoying your time in the UAE and what prompted the move in the first place?  I'm currently living in KC, but from Lebanon, MO about 3 hours south.  Teaching abroad excites me, but if financially I'm going to be squeezed then I might be better off here.  Oh yeah, how much money should one bring and is your school looking for teachers?  Phyllis thank you and advice and or stories would be much appreciated!

Phillis and Josh!
I went to Truman Elementary in KC. I appreciate your comments because I am researching teaching in Abu Dhabi. Phyllis, I want to know the same things as Josh about being able to save. I am currently a Resource Specialist in Cali but want some change!

Hello people, I have an interview with Teach Away and am planning to come with family.  I'm from the UK, and have two children who would be making the move with me, one at a critical age for changing schools 14 but goes to an international school here so am hoping that would help.  Never taught abroad before but am hopeful to get to some sunnier shores where the crime rate is lower and children can run around a bit more freely.  (Inshallah, this is not just a dream)

hi Josh, been living in the UAE for 7 years now..I teach but not for Teach Away, although have heard NIGHTMARE stories coming from there..I've be very very careful if I were you!

put it this way, they hired 3000 teachers, many ran away, yes ran away, luckily they still had their passports with them...they promise u the moon and you'd be found working in very stressful situations..as I said, be careful....been here for a while, it's a small place, we hear everything cheers!

I have been hired with caneducom.com to teach in Abu Dhabi/Al Ain this upcoming school year (2011-12).  I do not know if they are affiliated with Teach Away or not.  Does anyone else know?  I am preparing to move with my two middle school aged children and myself, no husband.  Can anyone offer any general advice or warnings?  Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I was hoping that maybe I could get some advice and information on potential teaching opportunities in Abu Dhabi.

I am an ESL teacher currently teaching in Thailand. I have a 4 year degree in English Lit and a TESOL certification, as well as a year (+) of teaching experience.

Are there any opportunities for ESL, non-certified, teachers in Abu Dhabi?

Thank you in advance.

Amber

Josh, I have been hired through caneducom.com and Nellie is the woman I have been dealing with through this process.  Check out their website.  So far I have been very happy with the process but don't have any real reference.  I am just going to go full speed ahead and see what happens. For me, life is a gamble and you gotta play.  I am hoping for the best.

My husband and I have recently been offered contracts through Teach Away for fall 2011. We will most likely be teaching in Al Ain and we are bringing our young son with us.  I have a lot of the same questions as some of the other bloggers, but I particulary want to know more about what it is like to work in Abu Dhabi schools.  In our interview, they painted a grim picture of misbehaving students and strict administrators who are less than empathetic.  What have you all experienced?  Also, can anyone comment about childcare in Al Ain? 

It makes me a little nervous to hear negative comments about the Teach Away teachers (from chrisinuae). I will say this, I have also been following the Teach Away page on Facebook and I haven't heard anything of the sort on there. It would be great to hear from someone who is teaching for ADEC now and who went through Teach Away. 

Thanks!

I like your attitude kaymarie!  We can only be so careful...sometimes you can miss out on great experiences if you succomb to the fear of taking a risk.

I have many of the same questions~  suffice it to say, I am going ahead with the program to be there in August.  I am bringing my two middle school aged children and preparing them to have a great sense of humor and patience.  I would love any details from someone who is there and can enlighten us.  It's A LOT of work to move your entire family and put what's left over in storage!

Ok to be honest, I am going through teachanywhere at the moment and I have a very positive outlook on the whole process.  I have been teaching here in the states for 5 years and looking for a change of pace.  My question would be how could they advertise salaries and still be employed?  Does not make too much sense.  Look at the bright side to teaching in UAE, beautiful weather, beautiful women, and saving lots of money.  What is not to like about that?

Hello everyone,

I'm a Canadian who has taught in the UK for a year and now looking for a new teaching adventure in Dubai. Especially since there are very few jobs here.
Does anyone know any other teaching recruitment agencies besides Teach Away?  Also what would be a good amount of money to bring when first moving to Dubai? 
This is such a difficult decision to make to move there, yet very exciting at the same time.  If anyone has any hints, tips, hiring schools, or just want to chat about the possibility of moving there, please message me.

The teach away website recommends bringing 3,000 dollars to get set up.  Check the Teach Away facebook site to connect with teachers that are already there.  I facebooked a few folks and got some great advice.

You should check out the teach away forum on Facebook.  There's plenty of people with amazing advice and discussions.

Has anyone gotten further in the process or gotten any more info?
I am a certified ESL teacher w/ 17 years in the classroom. I have a BA in El Ed, a MA in Special Ed and a MS in Language Ed and have to find a way to pay off student loans. Now an empty-nester and looking to save money for retirement and have an adventure.  I would be bringing my husband who for health reasons hasn't worked...but does have a BA in Science (maybe he could tutor?).  And HAVE to bring my 2 small dogs.  Does anyone have any experience with pets?  Our dogs are 6 and 15 lbs. and are a part of our family.

Welcome on Expat.com bellabixby

I will suggest you to start a new thread also (for more visibility); it will allow you to obtain reactions/responses more quickly

Regards

Okay so, I am having a pre-screen interview this afternoon at 2 with Teachaway people.  Any advice on living in UAE.  I would be taking my husband and 3-1/2 year old boy.  Which neighborhoods are good for young children??  Teachers and families who live there what does your non- teaching spouse do?

My husband doesn't work due to some health problems. So I'm not worried about that. I am worried about bringing our dogs. They are 6 & 15 lbs. And have to come with us. I wish I could find out more information about the whole thing. I don't like how I can only find out bits and pieces. Please post how your screening goes. Good luck.

First of all, you are not TeachAway teachers.  TeachAway is simply one of three placement agencies used by ADEC - Abu Dhabi Education Council - to hire teachers.  I used Caneducom for my placement and was very happy with Nellie and the personal service they provided.  This coming year will be another growing pains kind of year.  ADEC has used providers to manage many of their schools.  2011-2012 most of the providers will no longer be in the schools.  I believe in the long run this will be good for ADEC and the students, but the first few years will be difficult.  Each school is totally different in the atmosphere and how they accept the LT "invasion."  That makes it almost impossible to comment in general on very much except to expect the unexpected.

Hi

I am a CELTA qualified native English speaking teacher with over 1 years experience (teaching English to adults, teenagers and young learners).In early June, I am moving to Dubai and want to find an English teaching position (ideally teaching adults, but I would still consider teaching teenagers/young learners).

Although I know that most places want teachers with at least 3 years experience, I am still determined to find work out there.


Please could someone let me know which schools/universities/institutes would be the best ones to try and which ones I should avoid.

Thanks

Hi and welcome on Expat.com Selina1966

I hope you will obtain some helpful recommendations soon

Regards
Armand

Hello jbass,

I'm Ahmad Ali, from Alexandria-Egypt; I'm a computer engineer work in Dubai Gov. 5 yrs ago.

I'd like to answer some of ur questions regarding teaching and living in the UAE it might help.

1- That website includes all schools website where u can contact them and apply online.
dubaifaqs.com/schools-list-uae.php

2- UAE has 7 States and there's a big deference between all of them in the rent and life style; but the more expensive rent and life style is Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
The rent depends to the location (Studio flat started from 9,000 US$, one bedroom flat 10,000 US$, .....etc).
in some other states it's more cheaper.

3- The schools here don't provide accommodation for the teachers.

4- u can get a car loan from any bank here up to 5 yrs installments; just if ur monthly salary is more than 8,000 AED which is 2200 US$.
cars prices start from 10,000 US$ and over.

5- UAE is free of taxes, so there's no any deduction from ur monthly salary.

6- A lot of American and European r working here especially in Dubai & Abu Dhabi and they can save a very good percentage of their salaries with a decent living.

Hi Harmonie,

hw r u?

I don't understand what is that sign means +1 ?!!!
plz can u explain to me if u don't mind ?

thx

hi deepoove4gooz u dont have to understand just keep in tach lolo

I have just been reading everyone's worries about seeking jobs in the UAE. I lived and worked as a teacher in Abu Dhabi for 14 years and loved it.  I just recently moved back to Canada in February 2012. I know of a new Recruiter looking for teachers for positions in Doha (now) and the UAE (coming soon).  They have 19 years experience and have many clients looking for teachers in both countries. Go to their website and fill out an application form and you will be contacted for upcoming jobs for the fall if you qualify.  They will help you every step of the way.  Go to:  internationalteachersplus.com

Hello expatzaineb.

Welcome to Expat.com!

Can you please post an advert in the jobs in United Arab Emirates section?

Thank you,
Aurélie

Hello ma,
Good day to you. I am Fatunwase Olawole Israel, am a Nigerian.
I will appreciate if you can be of help me to me, I really wish to come down there and teach.
I will be glad to hear from you.

deeplove4u wrote:

3- The schools here don't provide accommodation for the teachers.

4- u can get a car loan from any bank here up to 5 yrs installments; just if ur monthly salary is more than 8,000 AED which is 2200 US$.
cars prices start from 10,000 US$ and over.

I know several schools that provide teacher accommodation.

Obtaining bank loans is not easy on a teachers salary.  You will need a residency visa and deposit and 3 pay slips (minimum). I would advise either hiring or cash purchase using dubizzle.com

Hello Josh,
I know your post is from 2011 but I just want to know. If you eventually did go to UAE and how you experience was? I'm thinking of going, so just doing a recce to see what is out there.

Your reply will be greatly appreciated

Thank you
Bianca

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the world of blogs and forums so forgive my ignorance.
We have been living in the UAE for 10 years!
My son is the one who has been trying to find a teaching job in the UAE.
He has sent applications to ADEC and several employment agencies to no avail - no response from anyone. He has been to the UAE several times to visit us, he has been teaching English in Asia for since November 2010, has a BA majoring in English and Philosophy. He also has a TEFL certificate
What I really want to know is whether he is qualified for teaching in the UAE or not. He is becoming quite despondent and we just want to know whether it is worth his while to keep banging his head against this particular brick wall!
Thanks to anyone who responds!