Job Discussion Forums

[skullydude06]

I am just trying to get some information before I start to apply for jobs. I have a B.A. Sociology and B.A. Applied linguistics and TEFL Certification from a University and two years of volunteer teaching at refugee organizations here in American.

[qas419]

Well, before you apply to any UAE universities, you better know about the recruitment procedures there. UAE universities, except for some American based ones, are completely controlled by a group of Arab nationality, which under no circumstances will allow other nationalities to penetrate. These are Shami Arabs, from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. They hold the key positions to all recruitment procedures and appointment. They are racists and sectarians. They never allow other Arabs from the Gulf or Africa to get in. They prefer white English retired teachers who can obey them. They never accept Asians or other coloured teachers. Some African Americans who worked there were forced to resign later. The UAE government is aware of the situation but the problem is that these people have gone deep into the administrative system that it is difficult to get rid of them. So if you want to apply, I strongly advise you to join one of the American universities there. Try to avoid to Zayed, HCT or other government universities. Good luck

[mishmumkin]

Skullydude,

Race aside, you do not posess the necessary credentials to work at a decent university in the UAE, nor in a decent K-12 position. This doesn't mean that some dodgy employers won't employ you. In fact, I can name those places that will hire you in a PM.

In terms of race, I have known few African-Americans employed in the UAE. Employers in the region tend to prefer teachers who "look" as American/British/Western as possible. It's really about what the perception of "American" is, rather than the reality. Since the Gulf is very much about class, how you're treated is often based on your perceived status in society. You would likely be presumed African (and therefore lower in the hierarchy) before American.

Since I've only known a few African Americans to live in the UAE, I can't make a statement like qas419. I have no idea if you would be mistreated or forced to resign. I can tell you that HCT, Zayed, American University of Sharjah, and UAEU will not hire you, but that will be because you do not meet their requirements.

[skullydude06]

Thanks. I am not interested in working at a University level at the moment, I need more experience and I would like to work maybe at language schools or international schools etc....

[mishmumkin]

[scot47]

You might like to consider ELS or a similar outfit in KSA. Without experience you are looking at a position with a modest salary.

[GlobalDawg]

Skcullydude,

Check your messages, please.

[blackwell]

Hi Skully,

I am an African American female, who has been living in Dubai for over a year, working in a k-12 school. I have been treated very well here by the locals and expats that I have met. Last year I relocated from a part of the states where there was significant racial tension. Being a part of Dubai's diverse culture has helped me to move past that negativity. I've found the range of skin tones in the Arab world unending and based on appearance "some" could easily pass for being African American themselves.

In regards to your job search, I can only speak on k-12 schools. For those schools you do need a state teaching certification. I do realize that there may be some exceptions to this requirement for whatever reason but that is the standard.