Job Discussion Forums

mimi_intheworld · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 167 Location: UAE

Thanks to the advice/warnings/tips/recommendations from around here, I'm about to finally embark on my TEFL career. I move to Abu Dhabi on Thursday to work for ADEC.

What advice do you have for those first couple of months in the UAE?

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

Keep your mouth shut, and put your money in the bank.

Gus Barkley · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 78

First, I hope you are posted in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. There are some remote locations in the Abu Dhabi emirate that are quite isolated. Second, you will be arriving during the first week of Ramadan. This place is considerably different during Ramadan. Carry a computer bag/purse/whatever to hide a bottle of water and only drink it in the bathroom stall!

Third, the heat/humidity of Abu Dhabi will seem like a really hot SC summer. Unfortunately, the heat doesn't break anytime soon.

The good news is that virtually everything is in English. The customer service/retail workers all speak English. An Emirati friend who lives in Houston commented, "There are more American stores in Dubai/Abu Dhabi than there are in Houston." You won't lack for any of the creature comforts. Carrefour is the French version of Wal-mart and will have almost everything you need.

My only suggestion is to pack that which you know you will long for: A favorite brand of soap or makeup, etc.

I hope you have a great ride in this country.

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

Take plenty of patience and your sense of humor. It will be needed daily for the first few months. Someone from SC should be better prepared for the heat and humidity than say someone from the UK, but it will be about 100 degrees (or more) each day for the next 2-3 months. Ramadhan does make it a bit worse as you need to remember not to eat, drink, smoke... or even chew gum in public for the next month.

Hope you get assigned to a good school!! Enjoy the ride!!

VS