teaching in the uae

momnewport · 02-10-2012 4:35pm #1

I recently saw a very enticing information sheet looking for teachers to come to the UAE for a year. I was wondering if anyone here as tried this and if so how was the experience?

tatli_lokma · 05-10-2012 9:05am

I went through the application process and got offered a position, but didn't take it as a better option came up at home. But I did a lot of research before I applied.

You need to remember that the UAE is an entirely different culture to ours so you need to be prepared to accept this and if not you should stay at home.

You will be asked to provide permission of your nearest male relative for you to take the position - I was single at the time so they wanted my father's permission. You will not be allowed to live with a male if you are not married, or even to have them visit you in your home unchaperoned. Many of the schools provide chaperones for the female teachers and if they get a whiff of inappropriate behaviour you will be sacked and in some cases legal procedings could be taken. You will not be permitted to go out alone with a male. So getting drunk or being seen with a man you are not related to is a big deal (there was a story in the paper yesterday about a guy from Ireland and a girl from UK who are facing trial and up to 3 years in prison for being drunk and possibly having sex in public). Many schools are very cautious of getting into trouble and this is why they provide a chaperone - so that there is no chance of you misbehaving and giving the school a bad reputation.

You will be asked to sign a contract - if you want to break the contact you will be required to reimburse them for the cost of your flights and possibly administrative fees.

In some areas of the country you will be required to wear a hijab. Some of the schools request you at least wear a head scarf. Some of the schools are very religious, so you need to check out the school you are applying to and see how strict it is. Some schools in Dubai and Qatar are more "western" but outside of the big cities it gets stricter.

I know people who have done it, and had a great experience and made a fortune because the salary is tax free, accommodation and utilities are paid for and you can eat at the school for free (plus you can't really go out and party like at home other than in the hotels so it is very easy to save your money). But having said that it is a big culture shock and you need to go into it with your eyes wide open. Teaching jobs are often very different to the jobs with large companies where they have specific estates for their employees and inside the gates you get to be 'western'. Many schools insist that you behave as an Arab woman would.

Just some things to consider if making a decision.

The Browser · 06-10-2012 11:07am

Little Ted wrote: »

I went through the application process and got offered a position, but didn't take it as a better option came up at home. But I did a lot of research before I applied.

You need to remember that the UAE is an entirely different culture to ours so you need to be prepared to accept this and if not you should stay at home.

You will be asked to provide permission of your nearest male relative for you to take the position - I was single at the time so they wanted my father's permission. You will not be allowed to live with a male if you are not married, or even to have them visit you in your home unchaperoned. Many of the schools provide chaperones for the female teachers and if they get a whiff of inappropriate behaviour you will be sacked and in some cases legal procedings could be taken. You will not be permitted to go out alone with a male. So getting drunk or being seen with a man you are not related to is a big deal (there was a story in the paper yesterday about a guy from Ireland and a girl from UK who are facing trial and up to 3 years in prison for being drunk and possibly having sex in public). Many schools are very cautious of getting into trouble and this is why they provide a chaperone - so that there is no chance of you misbehaving and giving the school a bad reputation.

You will be asked to sign a contract - if you want to break the contact you will be required to reimburse them for the cost of your flights and possibly administrative fees.

In some areas of the country you will be required to wear a hijab. Some of the schools request you at least wear a head scarf. Some of the schools are very religious, so you need to check out the school you are applying to and see how strict it is. Some schools in Dubai and Qatar are more "western" but outside of the big cities it gets stricter.

I know people who have done it, and had a great experience and made a fortune because the salary is tax free, accommodation and utilities are paid for and you can eat at the school for free (plus you can't really go out and party like at home other than in the hotels so it is very easy to save your money). But having said that it is a big culture shock and you need to go into it with your eyes wide open. Teaching jobs are often very different to the jobs with large companies where they have specific estates for their employees and inside the gates you get to be 'western'. Many schools insist that you behave as an Arab woman would.

Just some things to consider if making a decision.

Whoa. A lot of things in this post might not apply to the OP. The UAE is divided into 7 separate Emirates or States, each with their own laws.

It sounds like the above poster was going to be based in Sharjah or another strict area. If you are based in the emirates of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can certainly mix with men OP without any need for a chaperon, you can wear pretty much what you want, you can drink alcohol, and you can expect to have your accommodation provided and earn between 7 and 10,000 AED per month tax free. I know lots of Irish girls here who teach in Al Ain and Dubai itself and they all love it. There are no curbs on their freedoms, except that it is illegal to live with a man (or if you're a man, it's illegal to live with a woman) unless married or family. But in the UAE, you will probably be supplied with a nice apartment all to yourself or sharing with at most one or two other girls.

Mrs OBumble · 06-10-2012 1:10pm

Moved from Work and Jobs, 'cos Irish W*J info isn't so relevant

/moderation

ICANN · 07-10-2012 3:51pm

I'm looking into this also- are there any specific websites for finding teaching jobs in the UAE?

Suckler · 08-10-2012 7:22am

Little TEd - That was poorly researched response and does not, in any way, reflect the UAE.

Little Ted wrote: »

You need to remember that the UAE is an entirely different culture to ours so you need to be prepared to accept this and if not you should stay at home.

The same as travelling to any foreign Country.

Little Ted wrote: »

You will be asked to provide permission of your nearest male relative for you to take the position - I was single at the time so they wanted my father's permission.

I’ve never heard of this being requested. For any job. Maybe the particular school requested it but its generally nor sought.

Little Ted wrote: »

You will not be allowed to live with a male if you are not married, or even to have them visit you in your home unchaperoned. .

Very wrong. Unmarried couples and friends live together with no problem.

Little Ted wrote: »

Many of the schools provide chaperones for the female teachers and if they get a whiff of inappropriate behaviour you will be sacked and in some cases legal procedings could be taken. .

Again, not true. The schools may provide you and other teachers with apartments in the same block and will sometimes arrange a minibus pick up and drop off. Chaperones are not deployed to spy on staff. Nonsense.

Little Ted wrote: »

You will not be permitted to go out alone with a male.

Gibberish. You are of course permitted to go to out alone with a male. Your response is bordering on farcical now.

Little Ted wrote: »

So getting drunk or being seen with a man you are not related to is a big deal .

It isn’t. Being drunk and disorderly in public is and you will end up in jail+ court + deported. Being drunk and being with a male is permitted, do you think the areas are segregated in pubs??

Little Ted wrote: »

(there was a story in the paper yesterday about a guy from Ireland and a girl from UK who are facing trial and up to 3 years in prison for being drunk and possibly having sex in public). .

As per my answer above; drunk and disorderly will get you in trouble. Their alleged conduct wouldn’t be entertained in most countries.

Little Ted wrote: »

Many schools are very cautious of getting into trouble and this is why they provide a chaperone - so that there is no chance of you misbehaving and giving the school a bad reputation. .

They don’t provide chaperones. This is nonsense.

Little Ted wrote: »

You will be asked to sign a contract - if you want to break the contact you will be required to reimburse them for the cost of your flights and possibly administrative fees.

Partially correct – you sign a contract and if you do not fulfil it they may have a clause in their that forces you to reimburse any flights / accommodation / furnishing costs that they have provided. It’s usually within a 6 month probation period for flights 12 months thereafter.

Little Ted wrote: »

In some areas of the country you will be required to wear a hijab. Some of the schools request you at least wear a head scarf. Some of the schools are very religious, so you need to check out the school you are applying to and see how strict it is. .

You will not be requested to wear a hijab. You may be requested to wear more “respectable clothes” i.e. no short skirts, keep shoulders an top half well covered.

Little Ted wrote: »

Some schools in Dubai and Qatar are more "western" but outside of the big cities it gets stricter. .

Again not very true. The schools are located within the cities, you won’t be posted to some tiny village in the desert. Schools are very moder and “ Western”.\

Little Ted wrote: »

I know people who have done it, and had a great experience and made a fortune because the salary is tax free, accommodation and utilities are paid for and you can eat at the school for free .

True, teachers can get good deals depending on the school they get in with and their own qualifications.

Little Ted wrote: »

(plus you can't really go out and party like at home other than in the hotels so it is very easy to save your money).

You can party A LOT in the UAE. Even more so than home.

Little Ted wrote: »

where they have specific estates for their employees and inside the gates you get to be 'western'.

This is absolutely untrue. Most accommodation is in high rise apartments with excellent facilities; pool, gym , sauna, tennis courts and dedicated security.

Little Ted wrote: »

Many schools insist that you behave as an Arab woman would.

This is the worst statement of the lot. They do not ever ask this of you.

tatli_lokma · 08-10-2012 7:58am

Suckler wrote: »

Little TEd - That was poorly researched response and does not, in any way, reflect the UAE.

The same as travelling to any foreign Country.

I’ve never heard of this being requested. For any job. Maybe the particular school requested it but its generally nor sought.

Very wrong. Unmarried couples and friends live together with no problem.

Again, not true. The schools may provide you and other teachers with apartments in the same block and will sometimes arrange a minibus pick up and drop off. Chaperones are not deployed to spy on staff. Nonsense.

Gibberish. You are of course permitted to go to out alone with a male. Your response is bordering on farcical now.

It isn’t. Being drunk and disorderly in public is and you will end up in jail+ court + deported. Being drunk and being with a male is permitted, do you think the areas are segregated in pubs??

As per my answer above; drunk and disorderly will get you in trouble. Their alleged conduct wouldn’t be entertained in most countries.

They don’t provide chaperones. This is nonsense.

Partially correct – you sign a contract and if you do not fulfil it they may have a clause in their that forces you to reimburse any flights / accommodation / furnishing costs that they have provided. It’s usually within a 6 month probation period for flights 12 months thereafter.

You will not be requested to wear a hijab. You may be requested to wear more “respectable clothes” i.e. no short skirts, keep shoulders an top half well covered.

Again not very true. The schools are located within the cities, you won’t be posted to some tiny village in the desert. Schools are very moder and “ Western”.\

True, teachers can get good deals depending on the school they get in with and their own qualifications.

You can party A LOT in the UAE. Even more so than home.

This is absolutely untrue. Most accommodation is in high rise apartments with excellent facilities; pool, gym , sauna, tennis courts and dedicated security.

This is the worst statement of the lot. They do not ever ask this of you.

Ok, I'm a liar then and all the information I got from the school I applied to was a farscial lie. As is the feedback from friends who have been there. :rolleyes:

As another poster mentioned there are 7 Emirates in UAE - and one area can differ hugely from another. The school I applied to (albeit 5 years ago) had a block of apartments and there were chaperones on each floor. It reminded me of when I was in uni and there were student wardens in each school owened accommodation block. We were also told that we could go out together as a group of females up to a certain time. After that time or alone we would need to advise the chaperone and possibly be accompanied. It was part of the code of conduct that we would not be permitted to socialise with men alone - other females or your chaperone must be there. Having said that, I was offered a position in another school also, where none of this applied.

I did not say that accross the board this is how it is, hence my warning that it is very important to research the school you apply to.

Although my application was 5 years ago, one of my friends took up a position with the second place I was offered, the more liberal school, and was there for 3 years. As I did, she had to give permission of her closest male relative. And I am not making that up. I found it quite comical really, given that at 28 years of age my dad wouldn't even try to forbid me from taking a job!

My friend has found it to be a very enjoyable experience, although she did say she could only stick it for 3 years as she did feel as it was restrictive. Yes you can socialise in pubs with men, but most of the time it is done in hotels and she didn't enjoy that. And some schools DO have it in the contract that they would consider partying and use of alcohol as misconduct. Many staff still do it dicretely, but risk being sacked.

The above friend, (who is currently in Korea teaching) despite being in a 'western' liberal school WAS requested to wear a hijab when accompanying a school tour which was out of the normal city area. She didn't have to have a veil though. At formal school occasions she was expected to wear a jillabeeya. In fact friends of mine who have travelled to UAE regularly with work in other sectors, such as the Dept of Enterprise have been advised to wear a jillabeeya.

You need to remember that you will be travelling to a Muslim country and quite possibly working in a Muslim school. And I do not say this as scare mongering as I am married to a Muslim. Some Muslim schools are quit liberal and westernised, but equally many Muslim schools the world over have strict guidelines and this goes the same for UAE. To assume that it will all be fine and dandy and you can do as you would do at home, party every weekend, get bladdered etc is naive. It is VERY important to check out which school you are applying to/being placed in. For some of those schools you might be asked to wear a headscarf or jillabeeya and you will be expected to act as a local woman would - i.e an Arab in the UAE. And this is not just in UAE, it goes for elsewhere also. My cousin is a teacher in a Turkish religious school - Turkey is a very liberal Muslim country, however as a teacher in a religious school she has a strict 'code of conduct' in her job. She took the job as the reputation of this school is very high so it is a career move for her, but even as a Muslim she finds it quite repressive at times.

It is part of the belief system of the school and if you apply to teach in a Muslim country you need to be very very sure of how religious this school is before you committ to anything.

tatli_lokma · 08-10-2012 8:15am

just to back up what I was saying, some quotes from a website regarding FAQ's for Dubai:

http://www.dubaifaqs.com/teaching-in-dubai.php wrote:

Teaching in Dubai and the UAE can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have, at least that's what the boss will tell you. Sarcasm and cliches aside, teachers in a good school in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the UAE, will normally enjoy the experience (embassy schools and non-profit schools are usually the best ones). The students are interesting and enthusiastic, generally well-motivated (if not, parents paying 30,000+ dhs per year will motivate them), and compared to teaching in any other big city, you'll have no or few discipline problems.

There are some schools which are less pleasant though. Long hours for little reward (although the students usually appreciate the teachers' efforts) and seemingly endless difficulties with administrative procedures - visas, housing, etc. Some schools will have discipline problems that are difficult to deal with - students threatening teachers with getting them sacked for example (if management supports the students, it becomes awkward). The UAE schools information pages have a rating system where you can view what other teachers think of a school, and add your own vote.

Most schools are somewhere between the two extremes. Read any contracts carefully, get everything down in writing, don't expect any favors once you've signed up, don't rock the boat once you get here and you should be fine.

and

Schools in Sharjah may have more conservative expectations than other emirates with respect to dress code.

this is where the school I applied to was, which requested permission from a male relative and provided chaperones.

1.4. Public displays of affection:

Displays of affection among couples - whether married or not - in public places does not fit the local customs and culture. Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency.
Public displays of affection, as well as sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public places is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.

2. Substance abuse:

The consumption of alcohol as well as any other drug or psychotropic substance is strictly prohibited in Islam and is punishable by law. Due to the large diversity of cultures and nationalities present in Dubai, alcohol consumption is closely regulated.

Whilst I am fully aware that there is tolerance and generally a more relaxed attitude towards non-Muslims, to think you can get away with any of the above is naive. And personally, I think if you are going to move to a country with these traditions and cultures it is more respectful to behave in line with this, rather than want to behave as you would at home.

Suckler · 08-10-2012 9:29am

[

Little Ted wrote: »

Ok, I'm a liar then and all theinformation I got from the school I applied to was a farscial lie. As is thefeedback from friends who have been there.

Throw in all the “roll eyes” you want. The informationyou gave was very misleading and a times, plainly incorrect. It was clear you haven’texperienced living in the UAE and/or working within its education system

Little Ted wrote: »

As another poster mentionedthere are 7 Emirates in UAE - and one area can differ hugely from another. Theschool I applied to (albeit 5 years ago) had a block of apartments and therewere chaperones on each floor.

The differences now a day are minimal, even betweenSharjah and Dubai. There are some strict and some relaxed. The chaperones are actuallysecurity guards but they don’t want to admit that. They are there to ensure theplace is robbed. Sharjah is a poorer Emirate, full of Indian and far easternnationalities, crime is higher there.

Little Ted wrote: »

It reminded me of when I wasin uni and there were student wardens in each school owened accommodationblock. We were also told that we could go out together as a group of females upto a certain time.

This was for security. They want to lock the doors at acertain time. In some cases, gangs are known to follow groups home and try togain access with them. This would mainly apply to Sharjah. Also they do notwant female staff bringing males back after a night out, even boyfriends as itis usually shared accommodation. A lot of the airlines use the same guidelines.

Little Ted wrote: »

After that time or alone wewould need to advise the chaperone and possibly be accompanied.

This never happens.

Little Ted wrote: »

It was part of the code ofconduct that we would not be permitted to socialise with men alone - otherfemales or your chaperone must be there.

Again, this would be no socialising with men in theapartments they’ve provided. Once you are out and about, females are free to talk to and socialise with males.

Little Ted wrote: »

Having said that, I wasoffered a position in another school also, where none of this applied

Which is the norm.

Little Ted wrote: »

I did not say that accross theboard this is how it is, hence my warning that it is very important to researchthe school you apply to.

You posted numerously; “You will / you will not” etc. itwas not an accurate reflection of teaching in the UAE

Little Ted wrote: »

Although my application was 5years ago, one of my friends took up a position with the second place I wasoffered, the more liberal school, and was there for 3 years. As I did, she hadto give permission of her closest male relative. And I am not making that up. Ifound it quite comical really, given that at 28 years of age my dad wouldn'teven try to forbid me from taking a job!

I’m not surprised by that. Red tape and silly rules arecommon.

Little Ted wrote: »

Yes you can socialise in pubswith men, but most of the time it is done in hotels and she didn't enjoy that.

Males and females can generally socialise anywhere,malls, cinema’s, pubs, beaches. Pub licenses here are for the most part linkedto a hotel. But you wouldn’t have to enter/exit through the hotel so I don’tsee how it makes a difference.

Little Ted wrote: »

And some schools DO have itin the contract that they would consider partying and use of alcohol asmisconduct. Many staff still do it discretely, but risk being sacked.

If you are drinking until all hours all week and comingin hung-over/ missing days then this will be an issue. If you drink responsiblyand it doesn’t affect your work nothing will be said; the same as any otherjob. You may not be permitted to carrythe license to purchase alcohol from an off license. This requires your employer’sapproval. This would prohibit you from having alcohol in your designatedapartment.

Little Ted wrote: »

The above friend, (who iscurrently in Korea teaching) despite being in a 'western' liberal school WASrequested to wear a hijab when accompanying a school tour which was out of thenormal city area.

It may for some “rural areas” if you go on a tour forexample. It is not going to have to be worn everyday, which is what youroriginal post inferred.

Little Ted wrote: »

She didn't have to have aveil though. At formal school occasions she was expected to wear a jillabeeya.In fact friends of mine who have travelled to UAE regularly with work in othersectors, such as the Dept of Enterprise have been advised to wear a jillabeeya.

I doubt a jiilabeeya was suggested. It was probably anAbaya. The school may have deemed her wardrobe unsuitable for havingprominent/wealthy parents around. Again, this would be a once off, not dailyattire.

Little Ted wrote: »

To assume that it will all be fine and dandyand you can do as you would do at home, party every weekend, get bladdered etcis naive.

At no point did anyone say that. I did state you couldparty more, and you can. Once you are getting “bladdered” it’s going to affectyour work. There are special nights out, both drinking and dining, nearly everynight that offer great deals to partake in.

Little Ted wrote: »

It is VERY important to check out which schoolyou are applying to/being placed in. For some of those schools you might beasked to wear a headscarf or jillabeeya.

I think the same goes for any job in any country. You will not be asked to wear a jillabeeya,an Abaya may have to be worn during school hours in rare circumstances.

Little Ted wrote: »

and you will be expected to act as a localwoman would - i.e an Arab in the UAE.

This is definitely not the case.
The first paragraph you’ve quoted doesn’t back upanything you’ve said, it merely states there are good and bad schools, justlike there are good and bad companies out there to work for in any walk oflife. Doesn’t add anything to you post.
The second paragraph RE: Sharjah schools states “Moreconservative dress code”. Again nothing along the lines of what you’vesaid. It is more to do with long skirtsand shoulders covered for women and long sleeved shirts for men. You keepstating jillabeeya’s need to be worn, when this isn’t the case.
Public displays of affection are generally not permitted.If you persist after being warned of your conduct or not to do not cease whatyou are doing then yes, you can end up in trouble. To suggest holding handswill land you in jail + deported is downright false.
Yes alcohol is regulated, it’s also regulated in Irelandtoo. It is not illegal in the UAE, it is like travelling to any other country,if you are out and acting like a fool and causing trouble you’ll find trouble.

Little Ted wrote: »

this is where the school Iapplied to was, which requested permission from a male relative and providedchaperones.

Male permission I am not surprised at. Chaperones escortingteachers around is not a reality for teaching in the UAE

Little Ted wrote: »

Whilst I am fully aware thatthere is tolerance and generally a more relaxed attitude towards non-Muslims,to think you can get away with any of the above is naive. And personally, Ithink if you are going to move to a country with these traditions and culturesit is more respectful to behave in line with this, rather than want to behaveas you would at home.

Nobody is saying you go there and get “Bladdered”, Thiswas you taking my post to the extreme. The reality in the UAE is not evident inany of your posts. You can travel to countries and respect that culture withoutchanging who you are.

tatli_lokma · 08-10-2012 6:10pm

Look whilst I am prepared to see your side, and in instances deferr to your experience, all I can do is go on my experience. You claim that some of my examples are untrue, which they are not.

Upon being offered the two positions, I was sent a list of conditions and expectations. No where did it say security - it was clearly discribed as a chaperone. It was clearly stated that you would be expected to be chaperoned when out alone after x time (I think it was 10pm) or if you wish to travel to certain areas of the city alone. Yes they did say there would be social events organised, and it did say alcohol consumption would be tolerated, but from the tone of the other information and from the general ethos of the school it was clear to me that if you were someone who enjoyed going out for a few drinks each weekend, you would be drawing unneccessary attention to yourself. Please explain to me what benefit it would be to the school to state all these untruths and misinformations?

suckler wrote:

You can travel to countries and respect that culture withoutchanging who you are.

Yes for some people they can do this, if their behaviours are not miles apart from the norm in that country. But for some people it is necessary to change how they behave in order to show respect. If you enjoy drinking to get drunk at weekends, casual relationships etc then you would indeed have to change your behaviour to be accepted in some other countries.

As I said, I do have friends who have worked and lived in the UAE - not only Dubai but other Emirates. One of them is not what you would call a 'party animal' but is very outgoing and enjoys socialising regularly at home. Although her employer (not a school) did not "forbid" it shall we say, she did find that even when being much more conservative with her socialising, amongst her peers who were Arab, it did cause some whispering and gossiping. The one thing I have been told by several people is that work politics in the UAE is worse than you would expect even at home. So in order to be taken seriously and not get yourself unneccessarily targeted or draw negative attention to yourself it is sensible to tailor your behaviours in order to fit in with the locals. Several of the forums I read when making my decision to go or not also said this A LOT. In fact it was one of the biggest complaints I read about working there. So whilst there is a lot of leeway, if you work in a stricter school and don't want to be talked about or have to account for yourself then the easiest thing to do is to behave as a local would. This is what I meant when I said act like an Arab woman.

Whilst I accept that my experience of teaching in the UAE is limited to the application and selection process and experiences as reported to me by others, please do not be so insulting as to dismiss all my comments as lies - the information is based upon my own experience and is in no way dishonest.

tatli_lokma · 08-10-2012 6:15pm

And I would just like to point out that one minute you are claiming I talk nonsense. When I mentioned about the permission of a male relative being required, first you said

Suckler wrote: »

I’ve never heard of this being requested. For any job. Maybe the particular school requested it but its generally nor sought.

and then in the next post, to the same issue you posted

Suckler wrote: »

I’m not surprised by that. Red tape and silly rules arecommon.

a tad contradictory don't you think?

Suckler · 09-10-2012 8:02am

LittleTed wrote: »

Look whilst I am prepared to see your side, and in instancesdeferr to your experience, all I can do is go on my experience. You claim thatsome of my examples are untrue, which they are not.

“YourExperience” – you don’t have any. Some, I’ve said were untrue, others I said were not commonly experienced. The crux of it is that your original post in no way reflects Teaching in the UAE.

Full of “You will” “ you won’t be” “ You can’t” – not the case at all.

LittleTed wrote: »

No where did it say security - it was clearly discribed as achaperone. It was clearly stated that you would be expected to be chaperonedwhen out alone after x time (I think it was 10pm) or if you wish to travel to certainareas of the city alone .

You honestly don’t know why they would phrase is as “Chaperone” rather than “Security”? Having to have Security at your apartment would sound menacing and off putting from the outset. Chaperone is a less aggressive phrase. Most apartments areadvertised with a concierge service – they are security staff in reality.

Your initial post states that you’ll be provided with chaperones who will act likespies for the school and sit with you in male company – again very wrong.

“You will not be permitted to go out alone with a male”Another statement that was completely untrue.

LittleTed wrote: »

Yes they did say there would be social events organised, and itdid say alcohol consumption would be tolerated, but from the tone of the otherinformation and from the general ethos of the school it was clear to me that ifyou were someone who enjoyed going out for a few drinks each weekend, you wouldbe drawing unneccessary attention to yourself. Please explain to me whatbenefit it would be to the school to state all these untruths andmisinformations?

The schooldidn’t state anything like that. You jumped to that conclusion yourself, they’ve stated alcohol consumption was permitted. You are just tailoring this to try to win an argument now. Going out and socialising is grossly different to what you have described.

If the schoolorganised a social event, one does not have to imbibe. They school doesn’t knowwhat you do on your time off. If you come in to work after a weekend hungover/ reeking of drink / having been arrested, then yes , there may be severe consequences,especially in the more conservative local schools. But the same can be said forany job.

LittleTed wrote: »

Yes for some people they can do this, if their behaviours are notmiles apart from the norm in that country. But for some people it is necessaryto change how they behave in order to show respect. If you enjoy drinking toget drunk at weekends, casual relationships etc then you would indeed have tochange your behaviour to be accepted in some other countries.

I think you are considering the extreme scale of partying, running amok so to speak,definatley won’t be entertained in public or most bars. There are some party spots that are a lot livelier than home. Self control is the point here.

LittleTed wrote: »

The one thing I have beentold by several people is that work politics in the UAE is worse than you wouldexpect even at home. So in order to be taken seriously and not get yourself unneccessarilytargeted or draw negative attention to yourself it is sensible to tailor yourbehaviours in order to fit in with the locals.

You don’t have to fit in with the locals. This isn’t like Ireland where one is in the minority,large swathes of the cities are Western/Eastern/Indian/ Phillipino with locals tending to live in private villas in separate areas. Again this is anotheruntruth and does not represent life in the UAE.

Little Ted wrote: »

Several of the forums I read when making mydecision to go or not also said this A LOT. In fact it was one of the biggestcomplaints I read about working there. So whilst there is a lot of leeway, ifyou work in a stricter school and don't want to be talked about or have toaccount for yourself then the easiest thing to do is to behave as a localwould. This is what I meant when I said act like an Arab woman.

You do not have to act like an Arab woman.

Being professionalat work and ensuring your social life does not affect your work or youremployer does not mean acting like an arab woman. You stated clearly the schoolinsists you act as an arabwoman would. This is very misleading to the OP and to anyone else who readsthis thread thinking of taking up a similar position.

“Act likean Arab woman” – there are many arab women in the UAE, all different, which oneshould a female act like exactly??

LittleTed wrote: »

Whilst I accept that my experience of teaching in the UAE is limited to the application and selection process and experiences as reported to me by others, please do not be soinsulting as to dismiss all my comments as lies - the information is based upon my own experience and is in no way dishonest.

You experienceis not limited it is not existant. Your first post does not in any way reflectthe true life of teaching in the UAE. It consisted of pre-concieved notions andnot based on the reality of living there. It evens plays out a few “western”misconceptions and untruths.

LittleTed wrote: »

And I would just like to point out that one minute you areclaiming I talk nonsense. When I mentioned about the permission of a male relativebeing required, first you said and then in the next post, to the same issue youposted a tad contradictory don't you think?

You reallyare clutching at straws now.

I did notsay it was nonsense - I’ve never experienced this being requested in teachingor any other discipline – I then stated that it was generally not sought, whichyou even confirmed as another school did not request the same. I then evenaccepted your statement and said that it may have been a requirement of thatparticular school. Subsequently I then stated that it was something I would notbe surprised at being asked.

You have painted a very incorrect and at times offensive picture of the UAE in your opening post. It had to be addressed.

tatli_lokma · 09-10-2012 8:16am

ah here look, you are just annoying me now...I do have experience - experience of the application and selection process. I have acknowledged that my experience is limited, but it is a genuine one. The information I was given from the school was as I stated. The feedback I have received from friends is as stated. Some loved it, found it easy enough to adapt to, others found it very hard to adapt to and despite claims that 'it is very westernised' did not find this to be the case in reality due to the social politics that goes on.

You are implying that I am lying or making things up. I am not. My experience was the details of what was and was not expected of me should I accept the job. It was very clear that I would be not be permitted to go out alone after 7pm. It was clearly stated that if you wish to go out you must be accompanied by either other women or a chaperone. And to me, a chaperone is more worrying than security - security makes you feel secure, makes you feel that your employer cares about your safety and welfare. Most large apartment blocks have some security. This would not in any way make me worry and nor would I consider it menacing. Being told that I would need a chaperone did make me concerned and actually made me more worried for a) my personal freedom to come and go as I wish and b) my safety as a woman alone.

Plus, many people go out each weekend, have a few drinks and have casual relationships - this is not running amok and I never said it was. It is you who are taking my comments out of proportion here.

Can I ask how long you have lived in the UAE?

Suckler · 17-10-2012 6:53am

Little Ted wrote: »

ah here look, you are just annoying me now...

Yes, factual answers tend to do that to people who don’t know what they are talking about.

Little Ted wrote: »

I do have experience - experience of the application and selection process. I have acknowledged that my experience is limited, but it is a genuine one.

You don’t have experience. Would you put this experience on a C.V. and expect it to be taken seriously? I applied to become a member of An Garda Siochana but I don’t proclaim to have experience policing the streets.

Little Ted wrote: »

The information I was given from the school was as I stated.

A lot of what you stated was incorrect. If you had experience you would know that. Also you stated that some items were what you understood or interpreted from the schools response; not the reality of experience.

Little Ted wrote: »

The feedback I have received from friends is as stated. Some loved it, found it easy enough to adapt to, others found it very hard to adapt to and despite claims that 'it is very westernised' did not find this to be the case in reality due to the social politics that goes on.

That is a common misinterpretation – It is often, incorrectly, referred to as being westernised – that doesn’t mean it’s going to be like home. Anyone moving out here expecting it to be is naive. It is the most westernised of the GCC region and probably one of the most relaxed in its interpretation and enforcement of strict laws.

Little Ted wrote: »

You are implying that I am lying or making things up. I am not. My experience was the details of what was and was not expected of me should I accept the job. It was very clear that I would be not be permitted to go out alone after 7pm. It was clearly stated that if you wish to go out you must be accompanied by either other women or a chaperone. And to me, a chaperone is more worrying than security - security makes you feel secure, makes you feel that your employer cares about your safety and welfare. Most large apartment blocks have some security. This would not in any way make me worry and nor would I consider it menacing. Being told that I would need a chaperone did make me concerned and actually made me more worried for a) my personal freedom to come and go as I wish and b) my safety as a woman alone.

I didn’t imply anything. I stated clearly where you are wrong. You seem to be in this to win an argument rather than portray the reality of teaching in the UAE for a western expat.
You’re then contorting words to make it having to have security as a comforting factor! In reality, countries where you require a security detail carry no travel notices for tourists etc. Again I know, as I have experienced this in my career. The whole security/ chaperone drivel you’ve come out with is again not the reality in the UAE and not worth getting in to another argument with you for the sake of showing you how wrong you are.

Little Ted wrote: »

Can I ask how long you have lived in the UAE?

Eight years in the UAE – Worked across the Middle Eastern region and Southern Asia. My partner (not wife – and yes we can socialise anywhere together) is involved with the KHDA and her father is a director of an educational authority.

tatli_lokma · 17-10-2012 10:34am

You keep saying I am in the wrong and insisting that the information I gave is not based upon experience when in fact it is - the application process was an experience. You are trying to win a point on semantics here. The letter I received from the school was exactly as I said. Perhaps this school was not representative of other schools in the UAE, but it is not me to decided to just make these things up, my information was purely based upon the information this school gave me. If this information is incorrect then perhaps the school gets some sort of kick out of teliing new recruits lies?? More likely this school DID have these rules. As I say from the information you give it seems that this school is not representative of other schools. Fair enough, I'm not arguing with that. But please stop telling me I am wrong and yes you are implying that I am a fool who can't read what the school sent to me.

If you have the need to pick apart everything I said, then please refrain from using language such as 'drivel' and telling me I am contorting things. Your tone is very aggressive IMO. I was passing on the information as put to me by the school, without contorting it. I cannot comment on why this school would feel the need to set out these rules and expectations, but if you like I am happy to PM you the name of the school and you can take it up with them.

You have made your point - the information I was given was incorrect. Time now to stop shooting the messenger please.

P.s - can you try to find out where the space key is??

aoifelouise · 12-11-2013 8:58pm

Hi all, I'm 38 and am thinking of going teaching in Dubai or Abu-Dhabi?? Is it full of really young 23-24 aged teachers who just want to party? Maybe this is a very generalised statement. Honestly I want to earn some money as I have a big mortage. Genuinely I only want to stay for a year? Any help or advice would be really appreciated? is teachanywhere the best agency? Thanks.

Noni Goggins · 15-11-2013 2:01pm

Working in Dubai for a year isn't going to go anywhere towards solving your mortgage problems unfortunately. It's no longer a hardship posting that can command a large expat package unless you're a top executive. Your wage is tax free but the cost of living is very high, particularly accommodation which is extortionate and continuing to rise on a monthly basis.

On the plus side, it is a pleasant place to spend a year or two....great weather, great lifestyle etc. But the positive lifestyle element would likely appeal more to someone in their mid twenties with minimal commitments.

In summary, you would need an exceptional offer to consider moving and in my experience, without knowing your individual qualifications and experience etc, the receipt of such an offer is unlikely.

Noni Goggins · 15-11-2013 2:02pm

Working in Dubai for a year isn't going to go anywhere towards solving your mortgage problems unfortunately. It's no longer a hardship posting that can command a large expat package unless you're a top executive. Your wage is tax free but the cost of living is very high, particularly accommodation which is extortionate and continuing to rise on a monthly basis.

On the plus side, it is a pleasant place to spend a year or two....great weather, great lifestyle etc. But the positive lifestyle element would likely appeal more to someone in their mid twenties with minimal commitments.

In summary, you would need an exceptional offer to consider moving and in my experience, without knowing your individual qualifications and experience etc, the receipt of such an offer is unlikely.

aoifelouise · 15-11-2013 7:06pm

Hi Noni, tks so much for your reply. My teaching position will include free accomadation and flights. The likelihood of me getting a teaching position with the agency I am registered with is very likely? Have you lived and worked in Dubai?

Suckler · 21-11-2013 1:12pm

aoifelouise wrote: »

Hi Noni, tks so much for your reply. My teaching position will include free accomadation and flights. The likelihood of me getting a teaching position with the agency I am registered with is very likely? Have you lived and worked in Dubai?

It depends a lot on the offer you receive. nobody here can say if it will help with your mortgage situation.

There are teachers in the UAE from all walks of life. More experienced ones would stand a good chance at getting a post in some better schools.

Great lifestyle for anyone of any age.

teaching in the uae

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