Job Discussion Forums

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Hello,

I live in Singapore and have just bought a property here. However, the property does not exist yet and won't be ready for another 3 years.

I am a 34 year old UK citizen, BA and Trinity DipTESOL. I have taught English for a decade in a variety of locales including Saudi Arabia for a year. I quite enjoyed it, though am in no rush to head back.

I am married and have a one year old boy. We enjoy life in Singapore, but wouldn't mind a change of scenery whilst the boy is young and the property is being built. My wife is a trained primary school teacher (through Singapore education system).

Is the UAE for me? By this, what kind of salary could I get with quals and experience? Would my wife be able to find work? What kind of childcare is there in the major cities? Do teachers with families take maids?

Most importantly, is it really worth it? I mean, I have done my travels around the Middle East and North Africa so am well aware of cultural ramifications of such a move. Other than the fact that the pay in the UAE is fairly good, are any of you out there with family and find that life is fantastic?

Finally, my son will need Chinese lessons? Easily sorted there?

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Oh! There are Chinese there and they can teach a thing or two, but their language isn't one of them! Embarassed

It's overwhelming!

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Sadly, there are a lot of Chinese women in the sex trade in UAE and that's a common association for many locals and expats. I am sure there is a Chinese community in UAE not associated with prostitution but I don't know how easy it would be to find someone that gives language lessons to children - but then, I haven't tried.

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

This information is dated and very non-specific, but I used to eat in a Chinese restaurant in Sharjah (even more appealing than the food was the fact that they would covertly dispense 'special tea' to their regulars; however I digress). I became friendly with some of the other frequent customers from the PRC, one of whom was a martial arts instructor and another a freelance Chinese language teacher, so I would say it shouldn't be too difficult to find a language tutor if you are based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. The smaller Emirates may be a bit more problematic.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Gee, sorry PF - as the OP hadn't received any replies and IS's post was a little enigmatic - I provided what info I had. I yield to your more extensive knowledge on the topic.

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

Hey Helen... I think PF was saying that his/her own information was dated. Cool

VS

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Ah the beauty of the written word Very Happy

it's all in the interpretation of the beholder - how many times have I had to explain that to students! And here I am doing the same thing Embarassed

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

And, I take it that PF's "special tea" meant that it was grown and prepared in one of the two "Special Economic Zones" of Hong Kong and Macao. Rolling Eyes

It's a secret that's not anymore!

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

There is a reasonably substantial "legitimate" Chinese community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Finding a Chinese teacher shouldn't be a problem. Inquiring at Chinese groceries pharmacies and restaurants would be the place to start. There are also Chinese social clubs. You can usually find dozens of Chinese practicing Tai Chee on the road to Mina Zayed, AD in the morning.

As the OP is no doubt aware, the overseas Chinese are a very close knit community.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Thanks.

Any answers to the other questions?

Ta

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

I will give a try on general employment. If you have been reading the UAE section, you probably noticed that tertiary level requires a related MA. Thus you are starting off with a major strike against you for the top jobs. You may be able to overcome this and be considered if your experience is related. The employers are looking for Academic English and in the ME, the emphasis is on reading and writing as these are the two weakest skills. (they can be upper intermediate/low advanced in speaking/listening and low beginner in reading/writing) Thus it is a heck of a slog to get them to a level where they can write well enough for their academic courses.

If your experience has been teaching children, the best employers require an active teaching certificate/license from your home country.

VS

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

No, I avoid teaching kids like the plague.

I have plenty of experience teaching EAP and ESP courses.

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

That will help. That is what to emphasize in your applications. The universities do all their hiring through their websites. I'd go ahead and apply, see if you get any nibbles, and then check any offers out here. Too late for this semester, of course, but many of the places hire a few for January starts.

I would wait until early October to apply as you will get lost in the first semester start-up chaos.

VS