Job Discussion Forums

[Ajan Provocateur]

I was thinking ot teaching in Dubai but it seems the there is more EFL work in Abu Dhabi so I would like to know about that city now.

How does life in Abu Dhabi compare to life in Dubai, in terms of liberality and social scene?
I know it's smaller but has it got "enough"?

I found a useful site with info on life in Dubai for people thinking over the same possibiliies as myself

[helenl]

There have been several discussions on this in the past 12 months or so. If you do a search you should be able to get some answers. General consensus is that AD is slightly more conservative and is not as glitzy as Dubai. The housing situation seems to be easing in both locales?

[veiledsentiments]

Ajan... now that you seem to have settled on the UAE, perhaps it is time to tell us your credentials and experience so that we can tell you what is available in the Emirates. I don't know that there are actually more total teaching jobs in Abu Dhabi than Dubai. Again that probably depends on your CV. If you have a legitimate teaching teaching certificate/license from your home country, there are lots of new positions in elementary school. If you are not certified, that excludes those.

The number of university level jobs are probably about the same, but they pretty much require an MA plus a few years of experience.

As to which would provide your social requirements, over the years most people there have recommended Abu Dhabi for the married and non-partiers, and Dubai for the younger single crowd. I suspect that it depends on your age and your interests.

VS

[veralynn]

Abu Dhabi not glitzy - yes.
Abu Dhabi for the non-partiers - no.
Yes it's smaller and quieter but there is definitely a good social scene and fun to be had.
Housing is still more expensive here though unfortunately.

[Ajan Provocateur]

Thanks to veiledsentiments for your continued help and further offer of help.

So I present my crdentials

BA Anthroplogy Durham
CELTA Hammersmith and West London College London
4 years teaching experience

I am 48

I spent my last year teaching in London on IELTS and I much prefer teaching adults - I had a good success rate in IELTS.

I have taught many nationalities.

I spent 10 months 2008-2009 teaching English in a Tibetan School in North India where I was effectively the acting DOS. This was as a volunteer.

I have been travelling since I left London in August 2007 and can not return there (no job to return to and my flat is rented out to pay the mortgage)

I am single with no dependants -

I am considering going to UAE on a tourist visa to check out what's avaialble.
If necessary I would leave once employment was arranged and come back at the start of the academic period, which would be Spring, I suppose?
I am just not available to attend interviews in the UK or USA.

As far as lifestyle/socialising I concerned - I want to be able to mix in a liberal atmosphere at times but don't demand a party merry-go-round.
I'd probably get involved in diving and travelling around the country.

Anything else you need to know?

Your advice is very much appreciated.

[helenl]

Frankly without a related MA in TESOL it's going to be difficult if not impossible to get a job with the better tertiary employers. Most of the language schools do local hires so they don't have to provide proper documentation (the hires are on their spouses' visas). You are not allowed to work without proper documentation - the second big drawback is you won't get any benefits (medical, air fare, housing, etc.) and accomodation is relatively expensive, especially if you don't have a good paying job.

Unfortunately, there's also a lot of competition out there that do have better qualifications - should you give up? No - stranger things have happened than someone with less than ideal quals being hired. Would I count on it without having some backup plan - not in a million years.

However, what's the worst that can happen? You don't find a job that suits you that pays enough - keeping more than one iron in the fire will reduce that sting.

[veiledsentiments]

Helen has pointed out the main problem - your lack of an MA and the lack of decent jobs for those without one. What you may want to think about is planning that visit to Dubai to be during the TESOLArabia conference (March?) where you can see the employers and what is on offer.

You will, unfortunately, be in that area where most of the employers who will hire you may not be the employers for whom one wants to work. There are lots of abusive employers in the Gulf and the cost of living is very high.

You may want to look at the options in East Asia too. (Korea? China? Japan?)

VS

[NadiaK]

With a CELTA + 4 years' experience, your best bet would probably be to try the British Council (both Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and International House (Dubai). Your lack of DELTA or equivalent will not stand in your favour but won't necessarily exclude you from consideration (although it's been a while since I worked for either organisation, so I could be completely off base here).

Good luck!

NK

[Rock Hopper]

Try Vietnam. On the move. Locals doing it tough, work hard but retain a sense of humour and know how to smile. As others say limited without TESOL Qual. Keep trying everywhere some thing will come up.
Rover In Time

[anaxiforminges]

Skeptical as I was before coming here I must say that I now like Dubai much more than I ever thought I would. Maybe it would be different if I had to commute or actually live in the city, but our outings into town have been great fun. I'm in love with the heat, the food, the atmosphere... even Ramadan hasn't put a damper on our spirits.

[veiledsentiments]

Ah... the honeymoon period. You are actually in a very fortunate position... probably the best employer in the Gulf and no commute. Life is good!! Il'hamdulillah!!

VS

[Goldmeyer]

DUBAI DUBAI DUBAI DUBAI!!!! I came to Abu Dhabi because the school and recruiter was very persistent. I am embarrassed to admit this but I saw the Sex in the City part 2 and thought that Abu Dhabi was exactly what was being portrayed in the movie (found out much later --after arriving here-- it was not even filmed in Abu Dhabi - because they were offended by the word "sex" in the title) Came here to find out it is ULTRA CONSERVATIVE. Yes, you can wear shorts and feel normal during your non work hours but be prepared to be gawked at or have noses turned up at you. Whereas Dubai is much more liberal and tolerant, fun and exciting.

All People from Abu Dhabi run to Dubai( only 2 hrs away) during the holidays..if that is any indicator.

Stick with Dubai as your first choice. If there are no jobs work your way up to Dubai from working in Abu Dhabi for a year or 2 (which is what I am doing).

[It's Scary!]

[Badar Bin Bada Boom]

Tell me about it. The only positive thing in the Qassim region is the airport that has direct flights to Dubai. And my salary.

[veiledsentiments]