Job Discussion Forums

orangepeel1 · Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 36

I know that people ask the same repetitive stuff on here all the time so forgive me... someone might want to put it to Dave that the search function doesn't work... for example if I search for the name of a school, it will come up as none found... then later on I see it listed on page 3....Just throwing that out there.

Yeah so what I'm asking about is working in UAE (legally) with an Associates degree. I did 180 credits at a well known university.. the average degree there is 120-50 credits. I made the Dean's List every year and have the certs to prove it along with a 3.6 GPA and my transcripts. I have training from the British Council (general) and I just took the TKT exams successfully. Along with that I'm getting my AA in Arts with the credits I have. I can't get my BA unless I go home and student teaching and thats not going to happen for many many reasons...

I had an interview today with Dubai National School. The guy was talking about how all schools copy off of them... they are the oldest and he has been in UAE for 25 years... He told me under no circumstances NO WAY can any school hire me with an AA.... I had 2 other interviews this week and they told me otherwise... what is the real deal???

orangepeel1

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

I have never heard of anyone teaching here with an Associates degree, but who knows, maybe it happens. I would think, though, that the Ministry of Education would grant you a working visa only if you had the proper qualifications to teach.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Let me put it this way. Any school that would hire you with only an AA is a place that you probably want to avoid like the plague. They will pay you a pittance and work you to death. I suspect that the Ministry will not give you a work visa without a legitimate degree and thus you would be working illegally on a tourist visa.

If you plan to stay in teaching and work for dependable and/or legitimate employers, you need to bite the bullet and go back and get the proper credentials. Nobody will look at your grades or care... they want to see the piece of paper... BA

VS

orangepeel1 · Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 36

Thanks for the advice but Im looking for something a little more concrete... I would like to know specifically, what the Ministry of Education says about other types of degrees. I totally agree with you VS when you say that certificates and grades don't matter... But I take offense when you say a "legitimate degree" is required.... Your American right? Then you know that an AA is legitimate... many ppl in the US use them. I may be under-qualified but I want to know the facts. Is it legal or not... and who can I ask?

Thanks....

orangepeel1

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Where is an AA a legitimate degree to teach? Not in the US... or at least not in any of the states I have lived in.

VS

rocketchild · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 96

MOE, go to their website.
But we have been told that a first degree of some sort is the bare bones to get a teaching working visa.

And they check everything ....

Try Asia.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I think the key here is the title on the labour card that your new employer will actually provide for you. For example, I was a class teacher w/ a BA and no teaching qualication. My labour card said different things w/ different employers, but it never said I was a classroom teacher; librarian, class advisor, but never a teacher. This is not so uncommon of a practice. Illegal? Hmmm...well, technically, yes. The only reason this discretion would ever be revealed is if you went to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, for example, to file a claim against your employer. Even then, I don't think these are the sort fish they're looking to fry. MoE does do inspections of schools and their paperwork, but for a teacher to be called out for having a different title listed on his/her paperwork? Never heard it happen.

lynnknows · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 3:49 am Post subject:

Yes, You can work with an AA. However, like VS said; you will not be paid very well or you will work for a school that will work you to death. I personally know and know of many Americans here working with an AA or less. They have been here for years and some are here with families. Yes, they have work visas, so you will be working legally. I guess it all depends on why you want to work in UAE and what you want to get out of your adventure here. The people I know make it work but it is a struggle. It is NOT easy.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Orangepeel, it is unusual that schools are willing to pay an expat package for the AA, but if they're in to pinching piastres it makes sense.

orangepeel1 · Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 36

Thanks guys for all the advice! I'll keep in touch...

tek44 · Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 32

I think you are taking a big chance coming to the UAE with only an AA.
Please let us know how it all turns out.

orangepeel1 · Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 36

So far I have a good offer, what a teacher who is just starting out would get... its 10500 UAE but I have to pay 3500 a month for the private accomodation which they are providing for me and my hubby. I graduate on Aug. 4 so I have to come into the country on a visit visa... I will let you know how it goes!

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929