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Arriving in Dubai and looking for a teaching job

 
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woodphil



Joined: 31 Aug 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:40 pm    Post subject: Arriving in Dubai and looking for a teaching job Reply with quote

Hello everyone.

I am just seeking advice on the prospect of arriving in Dubai for a visit/holiday and while I am there seeking a teaching job.

Can I enter Dubai as a visitor and then seek employment, I am a UK passport holder and I am a well qualified teacher with over ten years of experience.

I plan on staying with family/friends or in a serviced apartment in late October/November for a month or two and seeing what teaching jobs are available. Schools, language schools, colleges, universities, I am fairly open to considering any position that is available and an employer that will be prepared to sponsor my working visa.

Is this realistic or do I really need to be employed from the UK on a teaching package that includes a working visa?

Any help is much appreciated,

Thanks
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helenl



Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Posts: 1202

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 7:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not knowing your qualifications or what your experience entails or how deep your pockets are: unrealistic. You need to do more research about employers who are attractive (and reliable) and their requirements. A search on these boards and "the google" will give you the right start.
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woodphil



Joined: 31 Aug 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 7:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My qualifications and experience
3 masters degrees in education and a Bachelor of Education all from Australian universities. Ten years teaching experience in schools (primary and secondary) in a number of countries. I have a bit of money saved so finance isn't really a problem, i can afford to live in Dubai for a couple of months while I search.

Just really wondering if jobs are advertised when I plan to go (late October/Novemeber) and will I have any complications finding an employer who will support me with a visa after arriving as a visitor.

Do people get employed this way or is it much easier to look for a job before I go?

Cheers
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 9:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Obtaining a teaching job while in country could be challenging but not entirely impossible. However, I suspect you'd be considered a local hire which means mediocre pay and minimal to no benefits in terms of housing, flights, health care, or a residence visa. Plus, you may not be guaranteed long-term work or full-time hours. Anyway, consider getting a job before you go.

Be aware the year's major recruiting/hiring for university-level teaching positions ended within the last couple of months. Your best bet would be to visit Dubai in early March when TESOL Arabia holds its annual job fair and conference. You could also check individual university web pages for openings. If you're a licensed teacher looking to teach in a k-12/international school setting, then check out Teachaway, as suggested in one of your other threads.
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

woodphil wrote:
Do people get employed this way or is it much easier to look for a job before I go?

Probably, but it is rare enough that we almost never hear of it. All of the dependable, higher paying employers hire the majority of their teachers around the time of TESOLArabia (March) to start the following Aug/Sept. There is a limited amount of hiring done mid-academic year for 2nd semester starting in Jan/Feb.

Because of the hoops that employers (and employees) must jump through, it is not done on the spur of the moment. It takes time to get approval for the work visa.

All of the last minute hire teachers that I worked with in the Emirates were already legal residents of the country who were there with their spouse who was employed outside education.

I'd apply from outside the country... it is the standard procedure...

VS
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From one of your other discussion threads from 6 months ago:

woodphil wrote:
My experience so far is:

Australia - Primary classroom teacher (EFL Aboriginal students) - 1 year
Japan - Language school (conversation English) all ages - 1 year
Hong Kong - Primary school (P1 -6) English - 6 years
Hong kong - secondary school (special needs) English - 2 years (current position)

No experience at all at university level.

Unfortunately, your lack of university-level English language teaching may hinder your chances of getting short listed for UAE university jobs. Plus, competition for these positions is tight. Ditto for teaching in a k-12 or international school, where a teaching license from your home country is a must.

Frankly, you might have a better chance of getting hired to teach in a university foundation year program in Saudi Arabia or Oman than in the Emirates.
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woodphil



Joined: 31 Aug 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok thanks for the advice, that gives me a better picture of the procedure and it seems that it is better to get a job before I arrive, as you say VS it is the standard procedure. Just turning up and looking for a position maybe a bit of a struggle.

I do have a teaching license from my home country so I can look at recruitment through Teachaway etc for K-12 International schools in Dubai as at the moment I have no interest in Saudi or Oman, although I don't think there will be much available now but thats ok I am in no real rush. Just wanted to know my chances of arriving for a visit and picking up a position.

Thanks again for your advice
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