Job Discussion Forums

n.madyarova · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 6

Dear all,

I am 27 years old, non-native EFL teacher from a post-Soviet country and I am seriously considering moving to and working in Dubai.

As for my background - I have BA and MA degrees in English Philology and 3,5 years of teaching experience at university level. Also I have expertise in private tutoring English to adults. I spent a year first as an exchange student in a US high school and then a year at Columbia University in New York, so I am fairly familiar with American education. For the last three years I have been on pregnancy leave.

Considering all of the above mentioned I wonder about the possibility of getting a decent job in Dubai. I've been doing much online research about teaching in Dubai and cannot reach a definite answer if it's feasible or not for a candidate like me to get a position there. Most job announcements call for native speakers but I also find non-native speakers to hold EFL positions in UAE academic institutions.

Will it be worthwhile for me to come to Dubai and apply for teaching positions preferably on a university level with American curriculum? Or would you suggest other options?

Thank you all for your comments.

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

Yes and yes.

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

Very few universities hire "drop in" teachers. Best to apply from your home country. Work visas are a long process... and they would be interviewing now for jobs in August/September.

One exception... if you can show up for the TESOLArabia conference in March (check their website for dates and costs), it would a good opportunity to prove your English ability to the employers in direct interviews.

VS

freesoul · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject:

Being a NNST in UAE, I can assure your I am no more & no less paid than my dear NST colleagues. When it come to higher ed jobs, your qualifications and experience are what matters.
Well, As for the NNST/NST thing, I wouldn't go down that road, it would definitely open bandora's box. Smile

n.madyarova · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 6

Thank you so much for your replies. They gave me the assurance I needed to continue my job hunt. Though I did not clearly mentioned it previously, my degrees are not from western accridited university but from my home country. I hope you assumed it while replying. As for TESOL Arabia, I can not attent the event: financial problems:)
How important are TEFL or CELTA? Are they indispensible to being employed?
Thank you in advance for your input:)