Teaching English in Abu Dhabi – FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Updated June 2014
We have attempted to cover as much as possible in our Frequently Asked Questions. If you feel that there is information missing from this page, please feel free to mail your suggestions to info@reachtoteachrecruiting.com.
[toggle_content title=”Where is Abu Dhabi?”]
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates of the UAE. It is also the capital of the UAE and its second largest city. Abu Dhabi rests on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf from the central western coastline.
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[toggle_content title=”What are the main teaching options in Abu Dhabi?”]
The Ministry of Education in the UAE is responsible for public and private schools in the city of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Gharbia. There are over 150 private international schools in these areas and approximately 296 public schools ranging from kindergarten through to Grade 12.
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[toggle_content title=”How will I be paid?”]
You will be paid in AED. Schools pay your salary directly into your local UAE bank account.
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[toggle_content title=”How much will I be paid?”]
Teachers are paid each month and there are no applicable local taxes. Most employment packages in the UAE are salaried packages. Teachers within the private international school system typically earn between 8,000AED and 14,000AED, while teachers within the public school system typically earn between 10,000AED and 18,000AED. Your salary is determined by your teaching experience and qualifications.
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[toggle_content title=”What is a typical teaching schedule in Abu Dhabi?”]
The official work week is Sunday through Thursday in Abu Dhabi. You’ll likely start teaching at 7:30-8am in the morning and teach until 3pm/3:30pm in the afternoon.
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[toggle_content title=”How early can I apply?”]
We recruit for positions year round, so you are welcome to submit your application at any time. However, the vast majority of positions we have start on September 1st each year. If we feel your application is too early we may wait a few weeks or months before offering you an interview. This is because schools aren’t yet sure of their vacancies at the time you are looking to arrive.
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[toggle_content title=”How late can I apply?”]
You can apply at any time. There is no deadline for applications. However, it is best to plan as early as possible. Generally, three months prior to your anticipated arrival is ideal, but you can also apply at the last minute if necessary.
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[toggle_content title=”Can I apply even though I haven’t yet received my diploma?”]
Yes! But you will need to receive your diploma and have it notarize and attested before you arrive in Abu Dhabi. If you have not received your diploma, please get a copy of your transcripts from your University. Then contact your University to find out when you will receive your actual degree. Please note that if your diploma is issued in any other language other than English, you will need to have it translated and authenticated.
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[toggle_content title=”I can come to Abu Dhabi immediately. How soon can I arrive?”]
You can arrive as soon as the documentation has been processed and approved by the governing body in Abu Dhabi. The process can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain your national Criminal Background Check and degree attestation.
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[toggle_content title=”Can I pay off student loans on my salary?”]
Absolutely. Your salary in Abu Dhabi will provide you with more than enough to live on comfortably and you can easily send money home each month.
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[toggle_content title=”What is the cost of living in Abu Dhabi?”]
The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is cheaper than that of the United States or Canada, for example. Food and transportation is relatively inexpensive, and since your living arrangements are taken care of, you’ll be able to save a large portion of your pay check each month.
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[toggle_content title=”Will I have health insurance?”]
Yes, you will be provided with medical insurance once your paperwork has been completed in the UAE. You will be given information about insurance plans and providers once you arrive in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Education Council is 100% responsible for the premium on your medical insurance. Health care is often arranged through a private health care provider. Dental insurance usually isn’t included.
Each teacher is provided with medical insurance once the necessary paperwork is completed upon arrival to the UAE. Upon arrival, teachers are given information about the insurance plans and providers available.
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[toggle_content title=”Am I provided with housing?”]
Most school contracts in Abu Dhabi provide free, furnished housing.
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[toggle_content title=”How long are contracts in Abu Dhabi?”]
Two year contracts are standard within the public school system. Private international schools have been known to offer open-ended one-year contracts with the option to renew. Should you choose this option and decide not to renew your contract, make sure you provide your school with at least one month’s notice or whatever is requested in your signed contract.
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[toggle_content title=”Do you place couples in Abu Dhabi?”]
Although it would be difficult to secure two positions for a couple at the same school or in the same area, public school contracts typically include housing and airline tickets for your partner and dependents.
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[toggle_content title=”How much vacation/holiday time will I have?”]
You will have all national holidays off. Additionally, most schools are closed for winter and summer vacation. On average, teachers in the UAE receive 6-8 weeks of paid holiday time each year.
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[toggle_content title=”How is the food? Will I like it?”]
This is a subject everyone can agree on: The food in Abu Dhabi is varied and fantastic. Read up on these pages for information about the food in Abu Dhabi and our five favorite foods to try.
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[toggle_content title=”Is my flight to Abu Dhabi paid for or at my own expense?”]
Teachers typically receive a pre-paid flight to Abu Dhabi at the beginning of their contract. You will also receive a flight home at the end of your contract.
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[toggle_content title=”How will I be able to obtain my working visa?”]
The process of obtaining a work permit in Abu Dhabi can be a bit lengthy. Your RTT recruiter will guide you through the process of obtaining your work permit.
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[toggle_content title=”Can I break my contract?”]
If unavoidable circumstances are involved, yes, you may have no option but to break your contract. However, if the teacher breaks the contract for their own reasons, you will be forfeiting your completion of contract bonus and you may be asked to reimburse certain costs. Remember, you are making a commitment to teach these students for a full year.
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[toggle_content title=”How will I pay taxes as an American citizen abroad?”]
Great question! This is a very common concern for teachers who are teaching English abroad in Taiwan. So common in fact, that we have dedicated an entire page to answer just this quesion. Please follow this link to find out more about paying your taxes as a US citizen abroad.
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[toggle_content title=”What is the tax rate in Abu Dhabi?”]
Your salary in the UAE is tax free. You’ll need to check with your accountant in your home country in regards to filing taxes while you’re overseas.
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[toggle_content title=”Where can I find more information about teaching and Abu Dhabi in general?”]
Visit these pages for lots of useful information:
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[toggle_content title=”There are so many things to think about! Where do I start?”]
Here is a great list to help you get started:
- Prepare your resume, cover letter and recent photo.
- Your photo should be job appropriate. Please give some thought to what you send as. Your photo goes on your teacher profile package which is then sent out to our client schools. Please send us a headshot or a photo of you with kids. Please don’t send us photos where we can’t see your face clearly, an online dating photo, or a photo that doesn’t relate to your desire to teach abroad.
- Your cover letter does not need to be long but it should express your interest in Abu Dhabi and the reasons you feel you are the right person for a teaching position. It should also highlight any strong preferences you may have (although we would encourage you to remain flexible if possible). Your photo should be a recent smiling picture – as we like to see you look friendly and approachable! A full length photo is preferable to a headshot.
- Check your passport is valid for the next year or longer.
- If you don’t yet have your University diploma/degree, find out when it will be awarded to you.
We will guide you from there!
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[toggle_content title=”What happens when I arrive at the airport?”]
Your school will collect you at the airport. Either a manager from the school will pick you up or the school will hire a taxi service to pick you up. Nevertheless, when you exit from the airport, please look for your name written on a placard and that person will bring you to your destination. That destination will either be your school or temporary accommodation.
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Useful Advice
- Your RTT recruiter will send you copies of the documents that you’re expected to sign when you arrive in the UAE. Never sign anything that your recruiter hasn’t seen.
- Never sign anything on the spot, no matter how much you are being asked to.
- Make sure you sign a copy of your contract in Arabic and in English. Be sure to check the Arabic translation before you sign your contract, as the Arabic version is legally binding if there is a dispute.
- Bring extra copies of passport sized photos. It’s not uncommon to go through at least a dozen photos, which will be used on documents that are related to your visa application, ID cards, and personal files.
- All employment offers in Abu Dhabi are subject to your employer obtaining the proper labor visa from the Ministry of Labor in the UAE and a residence card from the Immigration Department of the UAE. These documents also depend on you being able to pass your government medical exam.
