Job Discussion Forums

[cherryblossom80]

We are thinking of relocating to Abu Dhabi next fall. I have a job offer there and my husband is considering joining the Teach Away program.

Does anyone know if Abu Dhabi is like Saudi Arabia in that they own your passport for the duration of your contract?

Also are there any current Teach Away teachers on the forum that wouldn't mind answering some questions or sharing some info. at some point?

Thanks.

[missieUAE]

No, in the UAE they do not keep your passport (they are not allowed to by law--I just got mine back after a week; they sent it in to have the visa put in it and then gave it back).

What type of job offer did you get?

[cherryblossom80]

I work in a different field (not ESL) and a US based organization recently opened up a new location in Abu Dhabi and are offering great packages to employees willing to live & work there. We are considering options for my husband now and since he is a certified teacher, we heard about Teach Away as a possibility.

Are you currently a teacher in Abu Dhabi?

[veiledsentiments]

Another possibility is for him to look into the better international schools... especially the ones used by the embassy kids. They are more settled employers with a set program.

VS

[cherryblossom80]

I am not sure they would take him without much teaching experience (he is older, but just graduated last year). But thank you. That may be a possibility...

[veiledsentiments]

Ah... OK... that might be a problem. His lack of experience may hurt him with Teachaway too. In fact, considering the program, it may very well not be a good place for an inexperienced teacher.

Of course, if you are there with a full benefit contract (housing, flights, insurance), he can easily come and pick up work after you arrive. There are always shortages - sometimes even at the best schools people back out for various reasons.

Abu Dhabi is a pleasant place to live for the most part... much better than Saudi. (IMHO)

VS
(BTW... the teachaway teachers have a Facebook page...)

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[cherryblossom80]

Well it's good to know that he can get a job there easily if he is unable to secure one beforehand...

TeachAway does hire new teachers. Especially if they are male. I have already contacted people on the Facebook group and they have confirmed this. Maybe you meant it is not ideal for a new teacher(?). My husband will be 32 and has only taught in Korea for one year, but he is really a 'natural' teacher. It is just a matter of hoping he can find the job first, as I am not sure yet if my job will pay his expenses as well...

To the woman that posted about her son's American school--You asked me to PM you for the name. Are there job opportunities at this school? Or were you just referring to your son's school as being the American school the other poster was referring to?[/quote]

[veiledsentiments]

Actually NCTBA is male and I suspect that he was merely giving you the name for future reference. It never hurts to apply.

As to the Teachaway jobs, I'm just talking off the top of my head, but for the purposes of the program, I would think that it would be better for them to be hiring experienced teachers. But, I expect that it is hard for them to find all that many men for the program. Some of the schools and students 'may' be problematic because you are also dealing with managements and fellow faculty that may be less than helpful. You know how hard it can be to change a system and the status quo. I believe that this situation is slowly improving, but there is a long ways to go.

So, you don't know what kind of contract you will get? The normal expat contract provides furnished housing, travel, and medical care... and you should be able to sponsor your husband if they will not. You might want to nail down what your offer is and then you will know if your husband must pursue a job before you go.

VS