Well, so I completed my paperwork. The part I could do, at least. I made copies, had them notarized (at a bank - that's where the notaries are!), and had them stamped by the SC Secretary of State. The copies cost 50 cents, the notary was free, the seal from the Secretary of State cost $2 each. I have only 2 documents that need to be authenticated: my teaching certificate and my Masters degree. This makes everything easier...and cheaper.
By noon (inclusive of about 2.5 hours chasing from one government building to another before I discovered I just needed to go to a bank to find a notary) I was done. I went to the post office, got a money order for $16 to authenticate my documents at the State Department, and paid to have everything overnighted (both there and back) to DC.
It may take 3 weeks for the State Department to process my request and send my bits of paper back...so that I can send them to DC again, this time to the UAE Embassy. This mailing back and forth will take a bit of time, but I should have everything in order by the end of March. And really, the first half of my authentication process only took one day.
That is pretty stellar, and quite an improvement from the several weeks horror stories I heard from last year's applicants. One of the perks of living in a state capital.
***
Later this week I am actually going to start packing. I have 2 suitcases. They are the ones I bought when I moved to the UK (speaking of which, I turn green with envy each time I read the Teach Away discussion threads created for UK/Ireland applicants. I want to meet up with everyone in London too! /whinge) and are pretty massive. Also they're excellent for packing. And wheeling through airports. Well, wheeling up to the check-in desk, at least. Sturdy too. And I have stuff that I'm pretty determined to take with me that I shan't be needing before I go (my boots - which I really won't need until Christmastime, when I plan to go to London - a few bits of clothes that don't currently fit but which I love too much to give up, personal records), so why not store it away in my luggage?
But that's for later. For now, it's all about the paperwork.
Also reading books.
And studying Arabic a bit.
And detoxing.
And going to the gym.
And doing facebooky stuff.
Showing posts with label ADEC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ADEC. Show all posts
28 February 2011
10 February 2011
Interview.
I have been avoiding this post since Sunday, when I had my interview. First I was exhausted (flying in and out of New York in one day is one thing. Making it a 23-hr journey on 3 hours of sleep....slightly less than wise), then I was deeply disappointed, then I had already gotten into the swing of chatting obsessively with other applicants on facebook, going over and over and over, trying to identify the outcome in perceived facial tics and compared questions. Big surprise, that got me nowhere fast. But today I have the day off, no real obligations, and time. Therefore I'm finally posting about the interview experience. Here are things you Simply Must Do: Dress Conservatively.
No, more conservatively than that.
No, now really.
Better. But button that collar. And I hope that skirt goes at least mid-calf. And you'd best not have naked legs! Next, now that we've got the appearance settled, are your bits of paper completed, in triplicate, and labelled accordingly? In a file? With the check list they gave you? And, just in case, have you made colour copies of everything? EVERYTHING? No? Well, do that. Also, have it all on a usb drive. Great. So now the superficial stuff is all taken care of. Well done. NOW it's time to prepare for the questions. Prepare for the questions. ADEC's history with Western teachers is chequered, you might say. They are very concerned that you'll do a runner. They're also concerned that you'll be an embarrassment to them, to your principal, to education itself. In past years the interviews may have been chatty and easy, with a pleasant conversational vibe - but those days are over now. They want teachers. (Hard to say exactly what they want, as I know well qualified and highly interesting teachers who haven't been hired, but I think that's even more reason to prepare thoroughly.) You need to have a good understanding of pedagogy and jargon, and you need to have a strong handle on classroom management. Be aware that "saving face" isn't just an East Asian custom, it's an everyone custom.
Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.
I was interviewed by two women who work for ADEC but are Western (Canadian and Scottish). They were very well trained in not giving anything away, to the point that I left that interview sure I didn't get the job. After the preliminary document check and whatever, the questions were tough, with follow-ups and challenges. My degree from a seminary was challenged (not "Oh surely this isn't a real degree" but "We do not want proselytisers") both at the beginning and end of the interview. There were questions about integrity (have it!); working with a principal who doesn't want you there (pick your battles!); how will you handle complaints because your students are used to getting EVERYTHING they want, including A's without achievement (document document document!); what your classroom will look like (student work! word walls!); how you will measure achievement (rubrics!); getting the quiet students to talk (multiple intelligences! group work!); etc. I used current non-political news to develop a classroom project on the spot. I talked about the necessary use of technology to both celebrate and inform my students and their parents. I talked about real-world outcomes and preparing my students for their actual lives, be that marriage or university or both. Over the course of my interview, I found that all my months of voraciously reading blogs, books and websites had been useful. I felt prepared. I was prepared. It was good. Then they hit me with their flags.
And this is what I've been mulling over for the past few days.
Nonstop.
Obsessively.
Shamefacedly.
Angst-ridden.
Trying to decide on a course of action for after I heard the news officially.
Failing.
Trying not to cry like a little girl who just dropped her ice cream cone because this didn't work out.
And finally it was time to suck it up and post my experience, bring the blog to its right conclusion.
Today.
I didn't want to.
Instead I decided to watch House Hunters International.
Then my recruiter called me. This was it. The final nail in my coffin.
And they're offering me a contract.
No, more conservatively than that.
No, now really.
Better. But button that collar. And I hope that skirt goes at least mid-calf. And you'd best not have naked legs! Next, now that we've got the appearance settled, are your bits of paper completed, in triplicate, and labelled accordingly? In a file? With the check list they gave you? And, just in case, have you made colour copies of everything? EVERYTHING? No? Well, do that. Also, have it all on a usb drive. Great. So now the superficial stuff is all taken care of. Well done. NOW it's time to prepare for the questions. Prepare for the questions. ADEC's history with Western teachers is chequered, you might say. They are very concerned that you'll do a runner. They're also concerned that you'll be an embarrassment to them, to your principal, to education itself. In past years the interviews may have been chatty and easy, with a pleasant conversational vibe - but those days are over now. They want teachers. (Hard to say exactly what they want, as I know well qualified and highly interesting teachers who haven't been hired, but I think that's even more reason to prepare thoroughly.) You need to have a good understanding of pedagogy and jargon, and you need to have a strong handle on classroom management. Be aware that "saving face" isn't just an East Asian custom, it's an everyone custom.
Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.
I was interviewed by two women who work for ADEC but are Western (Canadian and Scottish). They were very well trained in not giving anything away, to the point that I left that interview sure I didn't get the job. After the preliminary document check and whatever, the questions were tough, with follow-ups and challenges. My degree from a seminary was challenged (not "Oh surely this isn't a real degree" but "We do not want proselytisers") both at the beginning and end of the interview. There were questions about integrity (have it!); working with a principal who doesn't want you there (pick your battles!); how will you handle complaints because your students are used to getting EVERYTHING they want, including A's without achievement (document document document!); what your classroom will look like (student work! word walls!); how you will measure achievement (rubrics!); getting the quiet students to talk (multiple intelligences! group work!); etc. I used current non-political news to develop a classroom project on the spot. I talked about the necessary use of technology to both celebrate and inform my students and their parents. I talked about real-world outcomes and preparing my students for their actual lives, be that marriage or university or both. Over the course of my interview, I found that all my months of voraciously reading blogs, books and websites had been useful. I felt prepared. I was prepared. It was good. Then they hit me with their flags.
- my appearance. It wasn't as conservative as I posted above (though it WAS as conservative as picture 2).
- my reason for leaving the UK. I put "family emergencies". I should have written "visa expired". Both are true, but the second one would not have raised any flags. Family emergencies has been the excuse for other teachers to disappear like a thief in the night and has become an excuse as transparent as "Not tonight, honey, I've got a headache."
- my World Mission past. They were really quite concerned about the fact that I used to be a missionary (they asked, I didn't volunteer - I'm not stupid) and that my MA came from a School of World Mission. I feel I responded well to that last concern, as I too am quite against proselytising.
And this is what I've been mulling over for the past few days.
Nonstop.
Obsessively.
Shamefacedly.
Angst-ridden.
Trying to decide on a course of action for after I heard the news officially.
Failing.
Trying not to cry like a little girl who just dropped her ice cream cone because this didn't work out.
And finally it was time to suck it up and post my experience, bring the blog to its right conclusion.
Today.
I didn't want to.
Instead I decided to watch House Hunters International.
Then my recruiter called me. This was it. The final nail in my coffin.
And they're offering me a contract.
02 February 2011
I'll be honest
...the nerves have set in in full force. I am slightly relieved to hear some of what to expect (you, dear imaginary reader, shall hear more after my interview), but have begun to dread that maybe I won't get hired.
Let me be very clear: I don't have a back-up plan! I have been aiming toward this, thinking, planning, hoping toward this for over six months now - quite to the detriment of making any sort of permanent plans in the US.
This is how I feel (sans leg warmers and jazz hands, I mean):
Now, for balance, I must say that I feel great about this job. I have been planning toward it for six months - probably more than most of the applicants. Not just thinking about it, but actively preparing: researching, reading, studying, discussing. One of the girls at work teaches immersion French, so I've asked her questions about how it works, and more important: how to begin. I've been identifying my problem areas (long-term planning, mainly, and perhaps over-flexibility). I've been reviewing and retouching my teaching philosophy (in a nutshell: it's a philosophy of "yes", but I shall wax philosophical later).
In addition to all that, I've worked overseas before, teaching in England and Thailand, and living or working in Ireland and Jamaica. I've taught ESL students in the US. I speak a smattering (a very small smattering - a pattering, maybe, or a sprinkle) of a few languages and have been studying Arabic for a few months to the point that I can begin to read it. I can write in British English at the drop of a hat, so no worries about teaching my students the wrong spellings.
But. There have been a few people who have come back and not been hired. The interviews sound more challenging this year than last. What if I'm too fat? Appearances matter in Abu Dhabi. And while I know for a fact that I'll lose weight once I get there (I always do), what if they take one look at me and say, "No effing way."
Writing this relatively short post has helped me to organise my thoughts and put away my baseless fears for the moment. I'm off to revise a bit more for my interview!
Let me be very clear: I don't have a back-up plan! I have been aiming toward this, thinking, planning, hoping toward this for over six months now - quite to the detriment of making any sort of permanent plans in the US.
This is how I feel (sans leg warmers and jazz hands, I mean):
Now, for balance, I must say that I feel great about this job. I have been planning toward it for six months - probably more than most of the applicants. Not just thinking about it, but actively preparing: researching, reading, studying, discussing. One of the girls at work teaches immersion French, so I've asked her questions about how it works, and more important: how to begin. I've been identifying my problem areas (long-term planning, mainly, and perhaps over-flexibility). I've been reviewing and retouching my teaching philosophy (in a nutshell: it's a philosophy of "yes", but I shall wax philosophical later).
In addition to all that, I've worked overseas before, teaching in England and Thailand, and living or working in Ireland and Jamaica. I've taught ESL students in the US. I speak a smattering (a very small smattering - a pattering, maybe, or a sprinkle) of a few languages and have been studying Arabic for a few months to the point that I can begin to read it. I can write in British English at the drop of a hat, so no worries about teaching my students the wrong spellings.
But. There have been a few people who have come back and not been hired. The interviews sound more challenging this year than last. What if I'm too fat? Appearances matter in Abu Dhabi. And while I know for a fact that I'll lose weight once I get there (I always do), what if they take one look at me and say, "No effing way."
Writing this relatively short post has helped me to organise my thoughts and put away my baseless fears for the moment. I'm off to revise a bit more for my interview!
28 January 2011
Inching Ever Nearer...
Interviews have begun around the world. Last week they were in Toronto, this week in Chicago, next week LA, then back to NYC on the 5th or 6th. People who interviewed in Toronto have already been offered contracts. If this sort of timeliness continues, I can expect to hear if I have a future in Abu Dhabi by the time of my sister's birthday (that's the 12th, if you wondered).
I am ridiculously hopeful, but every now and then (like right this minute) a little trickle of dread comes through to dampen my spirits and ask, "Okay, but what if they don't hire you?"
I'd rather not dwell on that...though I do have a little-known back-up plan in Kuwait and another in Saudi Arabia. So I can pretend I am secure.
Back to the point: my interview is in a week! I may not blog until I get back, but until then, wish me luck!
I am ridiculously hopeful, but every now and then (like right this minute) a little trickle of dread comes through to dampen my spirits and ask, "Okay, but what if they don't hire you?"
I'd rather not dwell on that...though I do have a little-known back-up plan in Kuwait and another in Saudi Arabia. So I can pretend I am secure.
Back to the point: my interview is in a week! I may not blog until I get back, but until then, wish me luck!
17 January 2011
Right. An update.
Now that I'm a couple of weeks from my NYC in-person interview (or IPI for those in the know), I feel like maybe I should be preparing, studying, rehearsing, etc a lot more than I am. How much am I preparing? Not at all. Not for the interview, at least.
I'll tell you more about the actual interview later. You know, after I have it.
I have a flight. I have an outfit (I may revise my top, but I have an acceptable one if I can't replace it). I have tentative meet-up plans with other applicants/friends. I have 12 hours in New York.
Less superficially, I also have a work history that makes me pretty employable in the TEFL world. And I have two strong references in my possession, with two more (one hopes) on their way. And I am actively learning Arabic (when I'm not wasting time watching the Golden Globes), reading local (Abu Dhabi) news - still in English, though - and studying up on my cultural references. I'm certified in English teaching, experienced in ESL, experienced in international living/working/travel.
And I want it. I want this job so badly I can taste it. Please hire me, ADEC. Please!
I'll tell you more about the actual interview later. You know, after I have it.
I have a flight. I have an outfit (I may revise my top, but I have an acceptable one if I can't replace it). I have tentative meet-up plans with other applicants/friends. I have 12 hours in New York.
Less superficially, I also have a work history that makes me pretty employable in the TEFL world. And I have two strong references in my possession, with two more (one hopes) on their way. And I am actively learning Arabic (when I'm not wasting time watching the Golden Globes), reading local (Abu Dhabi) news - still in English, though - and studying up on my cultural references. I'm certified in English teaching, experienced in ESL, experienced in international living/working/travel.
And I want it. I want this job so badly I can taste it. Please hire me, ADEC. Please!
03 January 2011
Interview!
Today I received notice via email that my in-person interview will be on the 6th of Feb in New York.
Hooray!
I posted the same on facebook, but had to delete it because of the hysterical control-freaking it caused in my mother.
Boo.
So I've decided not to say anything to anyone until the job offer is in hand. Meanwhile, I'll just do some quiet celebrating in my head.
<hooray>
Hooray!
I posted the same on facebook, but had to delete it because of the hysterical control-freaking it caused in my mother.
Boo.
So I've decided not to say anything to anyone until the job offer is in hand. Meanwhile, I'll just do some quiet celebrating in my head.
<hooray>
Hand-wringing
This week, between holidays, I heard that there will be in-person interviews with ADEC in January & February. Good, good, I knew that already. Except.
There's always an except, isn't there? This time the except is the location. Previously I'd expected an interview in Atlanta. Surprise! They're not interviewing in Atlanta. Which means, if I want to take this interview (and, more or less, if I want to get this job), I need to go to New York or Chicago (or Los Angeles? Toronto?) On my extremely limited budget (of $1) extended travel is not an easy option. But whatever. A train ticket is $250 round-trip (give or take) to NYC, so that is where I shall go.
Unless, of course, it changes again. I hope it changes again. Come down to Atlanta!
Meanwhile, I've got a few more bits of paper to add to my collection. So whatever's happening, I'm still moving forward.
There's always an except, isn't there? This time the except is the location. Previously I'd expected an interview in Atlanta. Surprise! They're not interviewing in Atlanta. Which means, if I want to take this interview (and, more or less, if I want to get this job), I need to go to New York or Chicago (or Los Angeles? Toronto?) On my extremely limited budget (of $1) extended travel is not an easy option. But whatever. A train ticket is $250 round-trip (give or take) to NYC, so that is where I shall go.
Unless, of course, it changes again. I hope it changes again. Come down to Atlanta!
Meanwhile, I've got a few more bits of paper to add to my collection. So whatever's happening, I'm still moving forward.
Useful Information
from December 2010
I realise it's been awhile since I posted anything useful. So today I'm going to remedy that by giving you a paperwork update.
Three months ago (I can't believe it's been that long already!) when I received word that ADEC wasn't hiring secondary teachers for December placement, I kind of went into suspended animation for awhile. Instead of using that time to collect bits of paperwork from around the country and around the globe, I focused instead on finding work that would not utterly destroy my soul in the (now) year before I leave (hoping, of course, that I'll even get hired with ADEC, which is always but a hope until the contract is signed). Some might call that change of focus practical and responsible.
I suppose it would've been more practical if anything much had come of it. Oh well. That's a story for another day.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I started hearing about new applicants and THEIR paperwork quest. And that's when I realised, I hadn't done a darn thing but study Arabic (I'm up to about 60 words and havealmost got the alphabet figured out). And I thought, Get on the ball, Amy!
So on the ball I have got. Happily, I have a portion of the required paperwork from my last international sojourn. And while that one didn't end well (I came back to America, and ended up spending an entire year working retail. Part time.), it did give me some useful experience. Better still, it gave me a whole sheaf of already-scanned documents. And referees from two different countries. Win.
Of course, now it's holiday time. So getting in touch with teachers and principals and department heads, etc, to get your reference letters is a bit of a challenge. Challenge met! I have heard from my three referees just yesterday and expect letters in the mail soon. And I have another one from my last adventure.
Which leaves me with the following:
I realise it's been awhile since I posted anything useful. So today I'm going to remedy that by giving you a paperwork update.
Three months ago (I can't believe it's been that long already!) when I received word that ADEC wasn't hiring secondary teachers for December placement, I kind of went into suspended animation for awhile. Instead of using that time to collect bits of paperwork from around the country and around the globe, I focused instead on finding work that would not utterly destroy my soul in the (now) year before I leave (hoping, of course, that I'll even get hired with ADEC, which is always but a hope until the contract is signed). Some might call that change of focus practical and responsible.I suppose it would've been more practical if anything much had come of it. Oh well. That's a story for another day.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I started hearing about new applicants and THEIR paperwork quest. And that's when I realised, I hadn't done a darn thing but study Arabic (I'm up to about 60 words and havealmost got the alphabet figured out). And I thought, Get on the ball, Amy!
So on the ball I have got. Happily, I have a portion of the required paperwork from my last international sojourn. And while that one didn't end well (I came back to America, and ended up spending an entire year working retail. Part time.), it did give me some useful experience. Better still, it gave me a whole sheaf of already-scanned documents. And referees from two different countries. Win.
Of course, now it's holiday time. So getting in touch with teachers and principals and department heads, etc, to get your reference letters is a bit of a challenge. Challenge met! I have heard from my three referees just yesterday and expect letters in the mail soon. And I have another one from my last adventure.
Which leaves me with the following:
- passport-size photos (purchase to have on-hand, also scan and upload)
- certified teacher certificate (have on-hand, just need to scan and upload)
- background check (I'm going the county sheriff route, just need to take the time to get downtown)
Checklist
from October 2010
The good thing about suddenly having almost a year before taking off for the other side of the world means I have time. Time to ignore rumours and hearsay - or at least take them with a Very Big grain of salt - and seek out actual facts. And I have time to filter through the scads of information...and actually seek out information.
And I have time to get organised.
Ah, organisation. It really is a nice thing. At least when it comes to paperwork. And that's where this list (straight from ADEC via Teach Away) comes in. For those of you who were wondering, this is what you need to bring to your IPI. This year, anyway. Terms and conditions are always subject to change.
- passport-size photos: 4 physical AND in jpg format.
- pasport details page: 2 colour copies AND in pdf format.
- highest certified degree: colour copy AND in pdf format. (Certified is the key word. The one you have hanging on the wall behind your desk is not.)
- completed security form (which you'll get from Teach Away): original, signed w/passport-size photo attached - don't skip the religion question*. The religion you write in must be a named religion.** And if you're Muslim, indicate sect.
- current/most recent teaching cert: colour copy AND in pdf format. Make sure it's certified (the one you have framed probably is not.)
- current CV or résumé: printed copy AND digital (pdf or MS Word). Your CV must detail and be supported by documentation of qualifications, teaching license and years of experience.
- recent (within the past year) CRC: original. You can get your criminal record check through: state police or FBI. Prices and time it takes vary.
- 2 letters of reference: originals. Teach Away does not provide an online reference capability or a form. If you don't already have your reference letters in your portfolio, get them.
Notes:
Do not submit originals (unless specified). Make sure hard copies of documents are clearly labelled with your name and recruiting agency (Teach Away in my case). Digital copies must be submitted on a CD or a USB memory stick, and files must be labelled as follows:
All digital documents must be submitted in a single electronic folder named: SURNAME_Firstname (e.g. SMITH_John)
Individual files within the above named electronic folder should follow this naming convention: SURNAME_Firstname_document (e.g. SMITH_John_passport)
*For Jewish applicants...well, you're in a bit of a sticky spot. Make sure you have no Israel stamps in your passport, as Israel is not recognised as a nation by the UAE or most ME nations (this goes for all applicants, regardless of religious affiliation). While my research (minimal, I admit) does not show Jewish people are barred from living and working in the Emirates, this could prove a stumbling block for your future employers.
*part 2: Americans, if you are negligibly or not at all religious, being American pretty much makes you culturally Christian. That's how pollsters come up with those percentages (The US is 84% Christian) every election year.
**A named religion does not include atheist, secular humanist, nihilist, polygamist or any other -ist you can think of (except Buddhist...so almost any other -ist). Keep it simple, friends.
Most of this paperwork is easy to collect and can be done for under $10 at Kinko's. Or at home if you have a scanner and a spare USB drive. Getting certified certificates (highest degree, teaching cert) can take a couple of weeks and may or may not include a fee for the service. Passport photos can be done for under $20 - and really, having a stash of them floating around will probably come in quite handy overseas. Same goes for colour copies of things like your passport page, etc. But I've mentioned this before. Depending on where you have it done, your CRC could take anywhere from a few minutes (some county sheriffs) to a few months (which is the time listed by the FBI, but is about 2 months longer than my CRC took when I got it from them).
- My portfolio
- Look how professionally it stores all your documents (including a couple of stand-out lesson plans).
Stop.
from October 2010
Today I got an email that put a bit of a damper on things.
Yeah.
When I think logically (not my strongest suit, it must be said), I have to admit that it'll be far easier to get everything sorted to go over to the UAE next September instead of in January. I'll have almost a year to save up some money, rather than a couple of weeks (and those weeks include Christmas, remember). I'll have more time to collect and numerously certify the vast assortment of paperwork. I'll be able to dip my toe back in the teaching field (through subbing, I hope) for several months before I go.
Maybe I'll even get skinny.
Maybe.
And when I sent in that original application, back in August, I didn't expect anything to happen until next year anyway. I just got caught up in the possibilities when Teach Away contacted me so quickly. So now I can take my life off hold and go about the business of being a responsible adult again. It will be good to make responsible decisions again.
For awhile.
Today I got an email that put a bit of a damper on things.
Dear Amy,
Thank you for your continued interest in the public school teaching positions in Abu Dhabi.
As discussed, we are happy to extend an in-person invitation to you based on your pre-screen telephone call, experience, and credentials. We have, however, been updated by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) with regards to their current needs for January 2011. This will be a smaller mid-year intake of teachers, which does not include secondary English teachers.
That said, we will be holding our next interview sessions, for a start date of August 2011, early in 2011. These interviews will be for a large intake of approximately 1000 teachers, both primary and secondary, set to begin work in September of 2011. We will be inviting you to those interview sessions once details have been arranged.
Again, thank you for your continued interest in this very exciting educational reform. The success of this reform initiative will rely on the experience, enthusiasm and dedication of teachers like you. With that in mind, tell your friends and colleagues about Teach Away and these exciting and lucrative teaching positions!
We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
L--
Teach Away Inc.
Yeah.
When I think logically (not my strongest suit, it must be said), I have to admit that it'll be far easier to get everything sorted to go over to the UAE next September instead of in January. I'll have almost a year to save up some money, rather than a couple of weeks (and those weeks include Christmas, remember). I'll have more time to collect and numerously certify the vast assortment of paperwork. I'll be able to dip my toe back in the teaching field (through subbing, I hope) for several months before I go.
Maybe I'll even get skinny.
Maybe.
And when I sent in that original application, back in August, I didn't expect anything to happen until next year anyway. I just got caught up in the possibilities when Teach Away contacted me so quickly. So now I can take my life off hold and go about the business of being a responsible adult again. It will be good to make responsible decisions again.
For awhile.
On Culture Shock...On Lies
Recently (within the past few days), I've read a lot of negativity, on the TA facebook page, on ESL Cafe, and on the blogs. And SOOOOOOO much of it comes down to accusations of lying.
That's right. Teachers have begun to publicly accuse the government organisation that has brought them to the UAE as a part of a 10-year education reform, of lying. Of being untrustworthy, scamalicious, thieving liars.
It's very very difficult for me to believe.
Then again, it's not. It seems that many of the teachers hired over the summer have never travelled outside the US before (it seems that a majority of the complaints come, predictably, from Americans), or if they have, they have never encountered problems that their perceived status as Americans couldn't solve. These seem, for the most part, to be people who have always got their way - or at least always gotten what was promised them.
Let me be quite clear: there are always a few people whose problems or complaints are legitimate and cause for concern. This is NEVER the majority. And I am very sorry for those encountering legitimate and very trying situations. And I hope everything gets sorted out soon.
Now. Back to the whole lying thing.
Sometimes, being a Protestant or being raised in a Protestant-based society can pose problems for us once we leave the US. Or indeed, once we leave the comfortable mostly black-and-white concept of reality we grew up with. Everyone in the international working world is aware of the concept of saving face, but we seem to apply it only to Far Eastern cultures (Japan, mostly). Dear teacher, do you really think only the Japanese are concerned about saving face? It just takes a slightly different form in Middle Eastern culture.
My feeling is, take the concept or the essence of anything that's said, and leave the exact wording behind. It's about presenting a calm and prepared and unified facade, whatever's going on underneath. Problems are not solved, they're consensus-ed. The goal in most dilemmas is to reach an agreement through discussion or debate or back-room dealings.
Example: ADEC says "You will receive an AED20,000 furniture allowance." The essence of that statement is: "We will make sure you have some shelter of some sort. Furnished."
ADEC says "You will be paid on the 30th of each month." Well, honestly. Deadlines in a people-oriented nation? See my last post for thoughts on that. The essence of that statement is: "You will be paid." Sooner or later.
Teach Away says "Be ready to fly out on 1 August." The essence...actually, the essence in this instance is the same. But "be ready to" and "you will" are two very different realities.
See, situations like what's happening now with new Western teachers in the UAE are more about preparation and perception than any kind of underhandedness or deviousness on the part of ADEC or Teach Away. The facts are: this is a HUGE education overhaul. This is a HUGE undertaking of both people and resources. 1000 is a HUGE number of people to transport overseas from a handful of different countries, and then to house and pay and organise. The ADEC office in charge of all of this HUGE-ness is, in comparison, quite small. A few people. Maybe a dozen. Probably not 100. And they're still hiring more people for January and then for next year.
ADEC is trying to turn the UAE education system into a bilingual education system. In less than a generation. And this is the forefront. Militarily speaking, these first 2 years are like the grunt on point in a scouting mission: whatever dreadfulness is out there will obliterate the point man, but everyone coming after will have a smoother time because of it.
ADEC is not lying to us. Not as we perceive lying in our forthright American culture. They are telling teachers what they think the teachers want to hear. They are telling them what is more or less true. They are giving the company line. We are just not used to being told anything other than the facts, regardless of how dire. Or if we're promised something, we expect the promise to pan out, and quickly.
Seriously, can you imagine going to your principal or the School Board in the US and saying, "But you promised!" when something doesn't go as expected? How far do you think that'd get you?
It's just not America over there. It's the UAE, and like it or not, your personal comfort is not their priority. Your expectations are not their priority. I'm sorry, it stinks, but they're not out to get you. And they're not lying in order to get their hands on your money or anything like that. It's just a big Gordian knot no one's figured out how to cut yet. So in order to prepare, do your research. Read about Abu Dhabi and more important, read about the business culture there. (I recommend Culture Smart! UAE, or similar.) Get used to the idea that your plans are not of any importance at all. And try to remember that you're one of THOUSANDS, and there's just one guy in the office trying to sort everything out. (Also, make copies of EVERYTHING - EVERYTHING!!! - before you hand anything over.)
- Sooner or later, someone will find a sword.
Packing and Paperwork, not necessarily in that order
from September 2010
From the moment you authorise a criminal background check to about a month (or more, depending on your future travel choices) after you return to your home country for the last time at the end of your contract - or contracts - you will spend a lot of time dealing with government agencies.
Blame the paperwork process.
Here's what you need, in short order:
All of these bits of paper, with the appropriate signatures and stamps and seals affixed, are necessary for you to get your resident's visa in UAE. And without that Very Important Sticker in your passport, you won't be able to do things (with ease) like rent/buy a car, utilise your bank account, smooth your transition overseas. I promise, speaking from experience, you want to do anything you can to ease the paperwork transition overseas. Everything is twice as difficult to accomplish when you're out of your home country (paperwork-wise), and that difficulty increases exponentially when your new country does not speak the same language or even operate by the same basic principles (of time, urgency, convenience).
Take it from someone who's been there: it's no fun feeling stranded on the other side of the world with no money, no communication, and no way home. Of course, it always works out, but the waiting is quite unpleasant when you're down to your last penny.
Other tips:
DO NOT pack more than you can carry/move by yourself. Learn from my experience: nobody needs 3 massive suitcases full of stuff. It is THE biggest pain in the bottom to wrangle your luggage through the airport, onto a bus, into a hotel or B&B, etc. Keep your luggage light. You DON'T need those 12 pairs of shoes (I'm trying to convince myself) or those 15 books. Amazon delivers world-wide. So does zappos. And HELLO! The whole world goes to the UAE to shop! Chances are, you'll find what you need there. In spades.
vs
Oh. Also start practicing your British English. The ADEC English curriculum is modified from an Australian curriculum, and they're using British, not US, spellings. (I think it's practising. Also theatre and centre and colour and anaemic.) We'll discuss pronunciation later. Or, you know, never.
From the moment you authorise a criminal background check to about a month (or more, depending on your future travel choices) after you return to your home country for the last time at the end of your contract - or contracts - you will spend a lot of time dealing with government agencies.
Blame the paperwork process.
Here's what you need, in short order:
- Passport. Duh. If you haven't got one, or if yours has less than a year left on it, take care of that NOW. Get thee to a post office! (By the way, though it may be cheaper to get your passport pics at Walgreens or similar, the convenience of doing it at the PO is worth the $15. Unless you have a large number of people coming with you. Then, by all means, save!) Additionally, if you have a stamp from a visit to Israel in your passport, you may wish to ask someone at Teach Away about any concerns. The UAE, like most ME countries, does not recognise Israel as a nation.
- Background check. You can try your local sheriff's office, or your state PD. Me, I went right to the top: FBI.
Since I have moved around rather a lot, I thought I'd cover all my bases. Additionally, it's faster and cheaper than getting a CRC from my state. No, I'm not kidding. Dealing with the State of South Carolina has been good preparation for dealing with future paperwork frustrations overseas. Plan on $25ish and 12 weeks at the most (FBI says 12 weeks, but my experience has been 3-6).
- Certified Teaching Certificate. This is where it gets exciting, as with this document you begin to go through the repetitive authentication exercises. PLEASE NOTE: The certificate you got in the mail, the one you keep in your professional portfolio of important papers (or have frames on your wall, or whatever) is probably not certified. You need to go to the certification board of your state (or country, but I only know about the US) and request acertified teaching certificate. It's just another stamp, but you gotta get it.
- Certified diploma(s). You officially only need your highest degree (for me it's a MA), but again, chances are VERY good that it's not the diploma they mailed you after graduation. Contact your school's registrar to get the proper certified certificate.
- optional: international driver's license. Go to AAA; it costs $15 at last check. Take care of this item a little nearer your leave date (like right after you HAVE a leave date. or potential leave date. or you've been offered a contract, at least), as it is good for 12 months only.
All of these bits of paper, with the appropriate signatures and stamps and seals affixed, are necessary for you to get your resident's visa in UAE. And without that Very Important Sticker in your passport, you won't be able to do things (with ease) like rent/buy a car, utilise your bank account, smooth your transition overseas. I promise, speaking from experience, you want to do anything you can to ease the paperwork transition overseas. Everything is twice as difficult to accomplish when you're out of your home country (paperwork-wise), and that difficulty increases exponentially when your new country does not speak the same language or even operate by the same basic principles (of time, urgency, convenience).
Take it from someone who's been there: it's no fun feeling stranded on the other side of the world with no money, no communication, and no way home. Of course, it always works out, but the waiting is quite unpleasant when you're down to your last penny.
Other tips:
- Make 5-10 color copies of the signature page of your passport.
- Have a dozen or so passport-size photos made. You'll need them.
- For your own sense of security, photocopy and itemise everything before you send batches of paperwork to different government agencies. Leave this set of photocopies with a trusted person in your home country when you leave.
- In-country, before you hand over your visa'd passport to ADEC (this bit I've gleaned from the discussion boards, of course, as I've never been to the UAE), make several copies of the visa-stamped page too. This will ease the car and appliance and bank shopping/using. A lot. In fact, renting a car without that stamp can be impossible.
DO NOT pack more than you can carry/move by yourself. Learn from my experience: nobody needs 3 massive suitcases full of stuff. It is THE biggest pain in the bottom to wrangle your luggage through the airport, onto a bus, into a hotel or B&B, etc. Keep your luggage light. You DON'T need those 12 pairs of shoes (I'm trying to convince myself) or those 15 books. Amazon delivers world-wide. So does zappos. And HELLO! The whole world goes to the UAE to shop! Chances are, you'll find what you need there. In spades.
- yes.
- no.
Oh. Also start practicing your British English. The ADEC English curriculum is modified from an Australian curriculum, and they're using British, not US, spellings. (I think it's practising. Also theatre and centre and colour and anaemic.) We'll discuss pronunciation later. Or, you know, never.
02 January 2011
Half an Update
from September 2010
Questions...answered. Work dress = floor length skirt (or loose trousers, but I'm going skirt), top w/sleeves past the elbow. Cover the chestal area (no cleavage...that means turtlenecks for me!). They say dress shoes, but I've read sandals. Just not flip flops. Yay.
I started transferring a few pennies into my savings account. That may have been stupid; I may have to take them right back out.
Now I'm getting my background check done. I asked which I should get (Teach Away said state or county was fine) considering I've only lived in my current state for a few months and will be getting my ID here in a few days, then decided on my own to go ahead and get another FBI background check done. It's less than $20 and takes as much time as anything else. It's actually cheaper to have the FBI do my background check than the state of South Carolina. Ridiculous, much?
From the Blogs
Well, I have now completed my personal reading list (which is every blog of every teacher listed in the UAE Teacher blogroll, right), and I guess I have a few reactions.
lol, I guess. As if there was any chance I wouldn't have a few reactions. I am all reaction all the time!
First reaction: It's very much a hurry-up-and-wait process, this getting hired & transported & placed & settled in Abu Dhabi. And to every question of when, the answer seems to be, "Don't worry, it'll all work out. Inshallah." Which, I'll admit, is kind of how I approach my life anyhow, sans inshallah, so I'm trying to practice patience and a mellow attitude. Which is totally working. Maybe. Well, on Tuesdays anyway.
Second: The first week or 2 (or 3) are spent in the very lap of luxury for orientation. All anyone seems to be able to talk about/post pictures of are the opulent digs and out-of-this-world breakfast spread. No doubt when my turn comes, I'll do and think similar, but it seems a little bit silly to me sitting here on my lumpy bed in South Carolina, how "ooh!" and "ahh!" many of the bloggers are about food and damask curtains. It's a resort, after all. (Of course, I'm ridiculously excited about the possibility of a Waitrose as near as Dubai and will probably blog at length the first time I visit. And people will shake their heads and sigh. Also IKEA, though that's not quite as amazing and wow, since it's nearly everywhere.)
Third: All the wait-and-see is psychologically draining. Blogs that start out all excited and hopeful and I-can't-wait! are slowly but surely--actually, rather quickly, come to think of it--running out of steam. Irritants are showing up. Loneliness and homesickness peek through between paragraphs. Frustration....oh, the frustration. And as part of the frustration, a deep questioning of the decision to put their (the bloggers'/teachers') lives in the hands of Teach Away, ADEC, or anything/anyone outside the norm of what they've been used to. I can see very clearly the need to adopt a "whatever, it'll all work out" attitude. Quickly. And to hold onto it with all of my being.
Fourth: There are a lot of religious people. Maybe I notice the religiosity, overt or covert, because until pretty recently I'd be in there giving it all up to God with them. Or maybe this is how all non-believers read religious people's blogs. (Note: I am talking about the Good Christian Girls and Boys. Also note I am not bothered by all the religion going on - if it makes them happy, so be it. I just know it didn't make me happy, and few days in my life have been more freeing than the one on which I left all that religion behind. About a year ago. So being non-religious is a new thing for me, which is probably why I notice it so much in the blogs I've been reading.) A couple of blogs stand out for not being so innately religious.
Fifth: My blog has a vastly different...tone. Apparently I am bothered about things that More Serious People are not (read: clothes). At least not in the same way. And I'm just not that serious. I gave up serious when I gave up being religious. Also, from time to time, I swear. Stephen Fry is right about that. And I don't talk an awful lot about teaching (that will probably change as I re-immerse myself in academia. Or education. Which is sometimes quite a different beast.) Well, whatever, I enjoy my tone. Humorous, I like to pretend. Flippant, probably. Eager, like the nerd I am.
I dunno, this is just the way I've always approached life. Bumping into harsh reality from time to time but mainly existing in a realm of laughter and whimsy. I suppose I simply don't take life all that seriously. Well, and why would I? Few things are actually that serious. The rest-- Well, I suppose if you do your best, please your bosses, and meet/surpass expectations, the rest is just fun times, innit? Even when it's not?
Anyway, I am looking forward to my next read-through of the UAE blogroll. I think I'll wait a week and see how everyone's settled in. That'll be informative for sure!
eta: also, a lot of these teachers (on the fb board, not necessarily the bloggers) seem not to be travellers in real life. This leap to AD seems to be a Major Life Change. And, okay, fair enough. But that's another difference. I feel like I've been in transit my whole life long, and an international mover for (omg) fourteen years. Maybe that is the main reason I'm not all that het up about moving or waiting (and waiting, and waiting, etc).
lol, I guess. As if there was any chance I wouldn't have a few reactions. I am all reaction all the time!
First reaction: It's very much a hurry-up-and-wait process, this getting hired & transported & placed & settled in Abu Dhabi. And to every question of when, the answer seems to be, "Don't worry, it'll all work out. Inshallah." Which, I'll admit, is kind of how I approach my life anyhow, sans inshallah, so I'm trying to practice patience and a mellow attitude. Which is totally working. Maybe. Well, on Tuesdays anyway.
Second: The first week or 2 (or 3) are spent in the very lap of luxury for orientation. All anyone seems to be able to talk about/post pictures of are the opulent digs and out-of-this-world breakfast spread. No doubt when my turn comes, I'll do and think similar, but it seems a little bit silly to me sitting here on my lumpy bed in South Carolina, how "ooh!" and "ahh!" many of the bloggers are about food and damask curtains. It's a resort, after all. (Of course, I'm ridiculously excited about the possibility of a Waitrose as near as Dubai and will probably blog at length the first time I visit. And people will shake their heads and sigh. Also IKEA, though that's not quite as amazing and wow, since it's nearly everywhere.)
Third: All the wait-and-see is psychologically draining. Blogs that start out all excited and hopeful and I-can't-wait! are slowly but surely--actually, rather quickly, come to think of it--running out of steam. Irritants are showing up. Loneliness and homesickness peek through between paragraphs. Frustration....oh, the frustration. And as part of the frustration, a deep questioning of the decision to put their (the bloggers'/teachers') lives in the hands of Teach Away, ADEC, or anything/anyone outside the norm of what they've been used to. I can see very clearly the need to adopt a "whatever, it'll all work out" attitude. Quickly. And to hold onto it with all of my being.
Fourth: There are a lot of religious people. Maybe I notice the religiosity, overt or covert, because until pretty recently I'd be in there giving it all up to God with them. Or maybe this is how all non-believers read religious people's blogs. (Note: I am talking about the Good Christian Girls and Boys. Also note I am not bothered by all the religion going on - if it makes them happy, so be it. I just know it didn't make me happy, and few days in my life have been more freeing than the one on which I left all that religion behind. About a year ago. So being non-religious is a new thing for me, which is probably why I notice it so much in the blogs I've been reading.) A couple of blogs stand out for not being so innately religious.
Fifth: My blog has a vastly different...tone. Apparently I am bothered about things that More Serious People are not (read: clothes). At least not in the same way. And I'm just not that serious. I gave up serious when I gave up being religious. Also, from time to time, I swear. Stephen Fry is right about that. And I don't talk an awful lot about teaching (that will probably change as I re-immerse myself in academia. Or education. Which is sometimes quite a different beast.) Well, whatever, I enjoy my tone. Humorous, I like to pretend. Flippant, probably. Eager, like the nerd I am.
I dunno, this is just the way I've always approached life. Bumping into harsh reality from time to time but mainly existing in a realm of laughter and whimsy. I suppose I simply don't take life all that seriously. Well, and why would I? Few things are actually that serious. The rest-- Well, I suppose if you do your best, please your bosses, and meet/surpass expectations, the rest is just fun times, innit? Even when it's not?
Anyway, I am looking forward to my next read-through of the UAE blogroll. I think I'll wait a week and see how everyone's settled in. That'll be informative for sure!
eta: also, a lot of these teachers (on the fb board, not necessarily the bloggers) seem not to be travellers in real life. This leap to AD seems to be a Major Life Change. And, okay, fair enough. But that's another difference. I feel like I've been in transit my whole life long, and an international mover for (omg) fourteen years. Maybe that is the main reason I'm not all that het up about moving or waiting (and waiting, and waiting, etc).
First (Phone) Interview
from August 2010
So I had my phone interview this afternoon (actually, I just hung up about 10 minutes ago) with Teach Away. It was a pretty basic interview, and I wasn't taken by surprise by any of the questions:
(My sister would say that's because I'm an excellent bs-er - and I am - but I like to think I really AM a good teacher.)
Next up is an in-person interview, in either Atlanta or Chicago. They'll call me with dates, and we'll go from there. Of course, it's ATL or CHI because my family has ongoing drama of the life-or-death sort, and I don't know what state I'll be living in at the time...and they don't have interview dates set in stone yet. So I'm waiting for a call.
I really feel quite positive about all this now. Not just "what if" but "when". And when the interviewer tells you things like "You're going to need to buy a car," it seems kind of set, don't you think?
So. January. Gotta start saving money, I think. For the first month of assorted settling-in details.
So I had my phone interview this afternoon (actually, I just hung up about 10 minutes ago) with Teach Away. It was a pretty basic interview, and I wasn't taken by surprise by any of the questions:
- What is your teaching experience?
- Why do you want to come to Abu Dhabi?
- How do you deal with a differentiated classroom?
- What are your classroom management policies?
- What has been a challenge you've met while teaching?
- What do you expect from a teaching position here?
- What international experience do you have?
- Why should we hire you?
(My sister would say that's because I'm an excellent bs-er - and I am - but I like to think I really AM a good teacher.)
Next up is an in-person interview, in either Atlanta or Chicago. They'll call me with dates, and we'll go from there. Of course, it's ATL or CHI because my family has ongoing drama of the life-or-death sort, and I don't know what state I'll be living in at the time...and they don't have interview dates set in stone yet. So I'm waiting for a call.
I really feel quite positive about all this now. Not just "what if" but "when". And when the interviewer tells you things like "You're going to need to buy a car," it seems kind of set, don't you think?
So. January. Gotta start saving money, I think. For the first month of assorted settling-in details.
Preliminary Paperwork
from August 2010
It's a challenge, sometimes, doing international paperwork without a home office. Printing and scanning mean a trip to Kinko's. I mean FedEx Kinko's. I mean FedEx Office. Kinko's was more fun to say.
Last week I filled out an application for Teach Away online. After they called me they emailed a background check and an Abu Dhabi specific application. The application was pretty basic, just a list of prior teaching and education experience. And only one essay question (my CV for the UK had, I think, three): teaching philosophy/how I'll meet and overcome the resistance to education reform in AD. I only write one draft of essay questions, though, so this one (a mere 250 words) took me about four hours. Healthily interspersed with books and movies and games and IM-ing and the like, of course.
Now that's all taken care of, I suppose it's time to wait. Again. And do some research.
Right now I'm listening to my Arabic I cd. It's a good cd (Your First 100 Words In Arabic - it's a great book, and I recommend it for any beginning language. I have it for Korean, too, as Korea was my initial planned ESL destination) and book.
Next I need to contact my grad school and see about my transcripts. It's a special request, so I think I'll need to call them. I think school's in session. Or at least the offices are open. Or at least the registrar.
Also, I told my mom. Now it's official. Because I needed her permission, obviously.
Last week I filled out an application for Teach Away online. After they called me they emailed a background check and an Abu Dhabi specific application. The application was pretty basic, just a list of prior teaching and education experience. And only one essay question (my CV for the UK had, I think, three): teaching philosophy/how I'll meet and overcome the resistance to education reform in AD. I only write one draft of essay questions, though, so this one (a mere 250 words) took me about four hours. Healthily interspersed with books and movies and games and IM-ing and the like, of course.
Now that's all taken care of, I suppose it's time to wait. Again. And do some research.
Right now I'm listening to my Arabic I cd. It's a good cd (Your First 100 Words In Arabic - it's a great book, and I recommend it for any beginning language. I have it for Korean, too, as Korea was my initial planned ESL destination) and book.
Next I need to contact my grad school and see about my transcripts. It's a special request, so I think I'll need to call them. I think school's in session. Or at least the offices are open. Or at least the registrar.
Also, I told my mom. Now it's official. Because I needed her permission, obviously.
Teach Away, or: My TEFL Career, Part One
From August 2010
A few months ago I decided to get serious about going back to teaching. A few days ago, I finally did something about it.
On Tuesday, I sent my CV (on which I found a typo today, horrors!) to Teach Away. I'd been dropping in on eslcafe.com from time to time, sussing out potential jobs for next year, then conveniently missed the summer hiring season through procrastination and second-guessing. But while I was visiting ESL Cafe, I was directed bit by bit to going through Teach Away to get hired in UAE.
So, like I said, on Tuesday I finally sent my CV.
Thursday they called and said they'd like to consider me for a position starting in January, email with more forms to follow.
Today (Sunday-almost-Monday, if you're following along) I sat down and wrote my short philosophy of teaching essay and tidied everything up to send back Monday morning after I sign and scan my background check.
They are hiring for hundreds (hundreds!) of positions in Abu Dhabi Emirate (both the city and the surrounding countryside - desert-side - of AD). Starting. In. January.
In the spring of 2008 I decided to move to the UK and teach there. It had been a decade-long goal, and, happily or not, I achieved it. That time I went through Bluewave International, which hires internationally for UK placements. It took about six weeks from original application to interview, and I thought that was pretty darn fast.
So far, Teach Away is moving even faster.
I was eager and hopeful and suspenseful and all the rest while I was waiting for my Bluewave CV to be perused, but I didn't even have a chance to be hopeful with Teach Away. I was, in all honesty, just doing a preliminary, see-what-happens kind of application to Teach Away, knowing as I did that the hiring season was actually over - no place I'd actually want to teach would be hiring in August for a September start. I had already resigned myself to another year in horrible boring Columbia SC.
Anyway, Abu Dhabi!!!
Why are they hiring hundreds of teachers in America, I hear you ask. After all, UK schools were recruiting US teachers because UK teachers knew better than to teach in failing schools. They HAD to get suckers from the US. Turns out nothing like that is the case in AD. The Abu Dhabi Education Council (hereafter, ADEC) has overhauled the education system in order to incorporate English into lessons at every level. They are currently hiring for K-3 to teach English, as well as to give math and science lessons in English. They're also hiring for Year 12 English teachers (I guess to give kids heading to university at least a minimal grounding in English). So it's kind of like getting in on the ground floor.
I don't know what sounds more exciting, teaching little people or 18-year-olds. Either way, it'll be EFL, basic communication stuff. I LOVED doing EFL, both in Thailand and in Texas, because I am so in love with languages.
Right now I feel I have a pretty healthy chance at a job for January. Which still seems quite impossible. So I haven't told work yet. Or my mum, for that matter.
Therefore I'm secretly Quite Excited and look forward to the next step. I'll keep you informed.
Meantime, I think I should go read some linguistic theory or something. Practice my Arabic? I know a few words now...
A few months ago I decided to get serious about going back to teaching. A few days ago, I finally did something about it.
On Tuesday, I sent my CV (on which I found a typo today, horrors!) to Teach Away. I'd been dropping in on eslcafe.com from time to time, sussing out potential jobs for next year, then conveniently missed the summer hiring season through procrastination and second-guessing. But while I was visiting ESL Cafe, I was directed bit by bit to going through Teach Away to get hired in UAE.
So, like I said, on Tuesday I finally sent my CV.
Thursday they called and said they'd like to consider me for a position starting in January, email with more forms to follow.
Today (Sunday-almost-Monday, if you're following along) I sat down and wrote my short philosophy of teaching essay and tidied everything up to send back Monday morning after I sign and scan my background check.
They are hiring for hundreds (hundreds!) of positions in Abu Dhabi Emirate (both the city and the surrounding countryside - desert-side - of AD). Starting. In. January.
In the spring of 2008 I decided to move to the UK and teach there. It had been a decade-long goal, and, happily or not, I achieved it. That time I went through Bluewave International, which hires internationally for UK placements. It took about six weeks from original application to interview, and I thought that was pretty darn fast.
So far, Teach Away is moving even faster.
I was eager and hopeful and suspenseful and all the rest while I was waiting for my Bluewave CV to be perused, but I didn't even have a chance to be hopeful with Teach Away. I was, in all honesty, just doing a preliminary, see-what-happens kind of application to Teach Away, knowing as I did that the hiring season was actually over - no place I'd actually want to teach would be hiring in August for a September start. I had already resigned myself to another year in horrible boring Columbia SC.
Anyway, Abu Dhabi!!!
Why are they hiring hundreds of teachers in America, I hear you ask. After all, UK schools were recruiting US teachers because UK teachers knew better than to teach in failing schools. They HAD to get suckers from the US. Turns out nothing like that is the case in AD. The Abu Dhabi Education Council (hereafter, ADEC) has overhauled the education system in order to incorporate English into lessons at every level. They are currently hiring for K-3 to teach English, as well as to give math and science lessons in English. They're also hiring for Year 12 English teachers (I guess to give kids heading to university at least a minimal grounding in English). So it's kind of like getting in on the ground floor.
I don't know what sounds more exciting, teaching little people or 18-year-olds. Either way, it'll be EFL, basic communication stuff. I LOVED doing EFL, both in Thailand and in Texas, because I am so in love with languages.
Right now I feel I have a pretty healthy chance at a job for January. Which still seems quite impossible. So I haven't told work yet. Or my mum, for that matter.
Therefore I'm secretly Quite Excited and look forward to the next step. I'll keep you informed.
Meantime, I think I should go read some linguistic theory or something. Practice my Arabic? I know a few words now...
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