Job Discussion Forums

shoosh · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 31

Hello everyone.

Originally I had my heart set on Dubai but after looking at some of the threads it seems that Dubai is picky about getting teachers who have quite a bit of experience. This sucks because I don't have any as of yet Sad

Firstly, what I would like to know is should I keep trying? Or would I be better off to get some xp first?

Then I was talking to my uncle and he gave me an idea. Is it common for teachers to hire Teaching assistants there to mark papers/projects or other assignments, or even just to help out in class? Anyone know where I could get more info on this? Or would it be best to check out some of the postings and write to the school specifically?

If I can't get to Dubai I will try Korea or something to start Smile

Any help is appreciated. Thanks a lot.

stoth1972 · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:50 pm Post subject:

I taught primary aged children for 2 years in Dubai, and university level for 1 year. I'm sorry to say that I've never heard of any teacher hiring someone to help. Most primary/secondary teachers look to supplement their income with private lessons-not spending money to get someone to help.

Do you have an undergraduate degree? A teaching qualification? A TESOL cerfiticate?

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no teaching assistants in any institution that I know of. There may be some in the private schools, but they will be part-timers, probably unpaid, who are here for another reason, e.g. on dependent visas - nobody will sponsor you for a residence visa for that kind of work.

You don't mention what kind of qualifications you have. If you're a qualified school-teacher, you might get a starter position with one of the private schools. Otherwise, the "Korea or something" option is your best bet.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Go to Korea. Get some experience and some training.

shoosh · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 31

Hello again

I forgot to mention that I do have a 3 year degree in kinesiology from university, and I did take a TESOL certification course. When I look at the forums for the Middle East they seem to want people who have at least 2-3 years experience. This is why I started thinking about going somewhere else instead. Do you think I should apply for Dubai anyway? What are the chances of someone with my background getting in there without any formal teaching experience?

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 7:22 pm Post subject:

Shoosh, I do think with your qualifications that finding a GOOD job in Dubai will be difficult. I do know of a school or two who will hire you, but without those qualifications, you might feel like time in Dubai in those schools would just be spinning your wheels. The PGCE is offered part time in Dubai (can't recall the organisation that delivers it) but if you saw teaching as your long term plan, then you could take those less desireable jobs whilst working towards completion of the PGCE. Choueifat hires college grads(no certification) though I would guess their that Dubai jobs are filled (not the other Emirates necessarily). I'm not suggesting Choueifat as a good employer, though, just a school that might hire you.