Job Discussion Forums

[zeebandre]

I am a Canadian citizen but I'm not a native speaker. I came to Canada when I was 12 and speak the language as well as native speakers do. I am currently enrolled in a one year TESL program and plan to do an MA in Applied Language studies next year. I'm wondering whether the fact that I wasn't born in an English speaking country will hinder my chances of finding employment in UAE. I'm particularly worried about the whole birth certificate business. Have you known anyone in a similar situation?

Thanks

[773]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem. I don't think you would need to produce your birth certificate, either...just your passport (which I assume is Canadian?).

[zeebandre]

Hi, thanks for responding. Yes, my passport is Canadian. I thought I read somewhere that presenting a birth certificate is part of the process...

[helenl]

and if you check your passport - it lists your place of birth. However, I don't think it would impact on your chances of being hired, especially after a video conference interview. That being said, I would emphasize on my application that you have native proficiency having been educated and lived in Canada for so many years.

[like2answer]

Doesn't matter at all. In the interview they will listen to you. I have many friends who have English as their second language and teach English. I have friends born in different countries because their families were living overseas. Not an issue at all.

[Afra]

HCT has many non-native speakers teaching English and many of them were not brought up in English speaking countries.

[773]

You shouldn't have to show your birth certificate, only your passport, and even that would only be after you were already hired I would think.

If I were you, I wouldn't bother mentioning that you were not born in Canada or that you are a proficient speaker, as both are completely irrelevant; as someone said, once you are interviewed that will become clear anyway.

[zeebandre]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm happy to hear that this won't be a problem.

[veiledsentiments]

Just a note... this current academic year I heard of new teachers in the Emirates having to provide a certified copy of their birth certificate. I don't know if that was employer specific or part of the 'new rules.'

VS

[adorabilly]

When we came last year, the only birth certificates we had to provide (and have attested) were for the children. At that time, it wasn't for adults.

[cassava]

Your place of birth is irrelevant and should not even be raised during an interview. What counts is your qualification in the subject your ability to teach it.