Teaching English in the UAE: Embracing Culture and New Beginnings

Hi, everyone! I’m Faiza, and I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to teach English to non-native speakers in the UAE for almost three years. Let me share with you how I got started and how you can prepare for a successful ESL teaching career in the UAE.

After the completion of my education, I got married. As fate would have it, my husband was based in the UAE, so it naturally became my new home. Equipped with my academic background, including an M.Phil in English Literature and a TEFL certificate, I was eager to pursue a new career path as an English language teacher in the United Arab Emirates.

Pre-departure preparations

To fulfill this dream of teaching in the UAE, there were some essential steps I first had to take. The first step of the process involved preparing and attesting my academic documents, which is a crucial requirement for teaching in the country. I had to go through the meticulous procedure of getting my final degree attested by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Higher Education Commission.

After navigating through the necessary procedures, I successfully obtained the attestation that opened the door for me to embark on my teaching career in the UAE, allowing me to follow my passion and make a difference in the lives of my students.

The visa processing was really smooth and hassle-free and I landed in Abu Dhabi to begin a new life. Getting a reasonable apartment was a very smooth process in my case, as it had already been taken care of by my husband before my arrival.

Embracing a new culture

My three years of teaching English in the UAE have left a profound cultural impression on me. The hospitality of the Emirati people and the warm welcome extended to people from all nations have been remarkable. It’s not just a place where traditions and modernity coexist; it’s a place where they seamlessly blend, creating a unique tapestry of experiences.

From Dubai’s bustling streets to the tranquil deserts of Abu Dhabi, I’ve seen how this fusion of tradition and modernity defines the UAE’s identity. This vibrant blend has not only expanded my global perspective but has also inspired me to share these rich experiences.

During my time there, I explored every corner of this magnificent country, from the iconic Burj Khalifa to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Each destination brought its own inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the world’s wonders. Whether I was enjoying the scenic beauty of Ras al Khaimah’s coastline, or marveling at the architectural marvels of Yas Island, I was consistently captivated by the UAE’s beauty and diversity.

However, what truly stands out is my engagement with local communities, where I immersed myself in their customs and traditions. Conversations with locals provided invaluable insights into their way of life, values, and rich history. These interactions not only broadened my horizons but also enhanced my ability to connect with diverse audiences. The UAE’s celebration of diversity and the genuine hospitality of its people have left an indelible mark on my heart. No wonder people from all over the world call the UAE their second home.

Teaching English to folks who aren’t native speakers has been quite the adventure, let me tell you! I got a job at a private school in Abu Dhabi, where my students came from all walks of life – some were locals, others hailed from various Arab countries. These youngsters had a real zest for learning English, and their enthusiasm was downright infectious.

Getting my training and certification

Moving abroad and immersing oneself in a new culture can be a daunting adventure. Nonetheless, a good TESOL/TEFL course can offer valuable resources to help manage the transition from life at home to life abroad.

My TESOL/TEFL certification course proved to be of tremendous value in establishing my teaching career in the UAE, especially as I had recently graduated and was new to the field of education. It provided me with the fundamental teacher training needed to navigate the complexities of teaching, including effective teaching methodologies, invaluable lesson-planning tips, essential classroom management skills, and much more.

Even if you come into it without prior teaching experience, a TESOL/TEFL course can offer a comprehensive perspective on how to instruct students who speak a different language and come from diverse cultural backgrounds. In my case, these professional skills and certification helped set me apart in the eyes of potential employers and allowed me to feel confident as a teacher right from day one. 

Time to teach

As their teacher, my aim was to make sure my learners mastered all the ins and outs of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. And you know what? Our lessons were an absolute blast! Each day, those kids were on a mission to level up their language skills. We even had our fair share of hilarious moments.

One day, we had a side-splitting incident in class. The girls suddenly went into panic mode, scrambling out of the room and practically screaming, “There’s an animal in the class!” Naturally, I was curious, so I asked, “What kind of animal?” Well, to my disbelief it was just a tiny insect. We had a good laugh when I explained the difference between an animal and an insect. Ah, the joys of teaching!

My ESL teaching days gifted me with a heightened cultural radar that many of my peers lacked. This skill turned out to be a secret weapon for fostering unity and effective cross-cultural communication. We celebrated diversity through the events like “English Festival” at school, where language was the star of the show, showcasing the beauty of various cultures. It wasn’t just about becoming better English speakers; it was about celebrating the tapestry of humanity.

Reflections and advice

To me, teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) isn’t just a job; it’s a remarkable voyage that opens doors to a profound cultural awakening. As an English teacher, I’ve had a front-row seat to the magic that happens when people from different corners of the world come together to learn and communicate in a common tongue.

I believe that ESL teaching equips you with a one-of-a-kind superpower – cultural know-how. When you teach ESL, you’re not just teaching a language; you’re diving headfirst into a kaleidoscope of cultures where you get to experience the power of building cultural bridges and connecting people.

To be effective in this, you’ve got to become a cultural detective, learning the ins and outs of your students’ backgrounds. Combine this with proper teacher training and you’ll have a mighty tool that can help you navigate our interconnected world, bridge gaps, cherish differences, and build meaningful bonds across the globe.

It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience guiding students from various backgrounds and cultures on their English language journey. Seeing their hard work and growth first-hand will forever serve as a great source of inspiration for me as an English teacher.