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Original poster

Help me move to Dubai!

22 replies

OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:17

Hello Mumsnetters. Can anyone here help me out? I'm now on my 44th application to teach in Dubai. I've had just ONE interview. Does anyone here have experience of teaching in the UAE? Where am I going wrong?? (I'm 57 if it makes any difference.) Would love any advice anyone may have.. especially those of you who have done it.

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villamariavintrapp · 09/05/2023 18:18

Dubai's not popular on Mumsnet. All those human rights issues..

Throwncrumbs · 09/05/2023 18:19

I knew a nurse who went to Dubai to work…..she hated it and couldn’t wait to leave, no help to you but she was treated as the lowest of the low!

lifesnotaspectatorsport · 09/05/2023 18:24

My husband worked in education in Dubai. He tells me there are visa issues for over-60s so your age may be a factor (school anticipating problems later on). You might be being screened out by HR.

He suggested contacting schools direct not via job ads.

CatOnTheChair · 09/05/2023 18:34

Over 60s need permission to extend their visas.

Have you tried other places in the UAE? Or are you only interesred in Dubai?

What you are doing isn't working. Try identifying jobs through a different route, or trying a different style of school, or a different city. Basically, you need to change what you are doing.

Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:35

@lifesnotaspectatorsport how do you mean not via job ads? Schools advertise posts and I apply for them.. is there another way of doing it?

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Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:36

@CatOnTheChair yes I sure do. It's disheartening putting all this effort in to no avail. Widening my net is definitely the way to go I think..

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Vevevoom · 09/05/2023 18:41

OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:35

@lifesnotaspectatorsport how do you mean not via job ads? Schools advertise posts and I apply for them.. is there another way of doing it?

Perhaps you could try an agency and seek employment that way. Get your foot in that way. Retirement age is 60 and visas are normally issued for two years. Some three years. That would then leave you with only one round. Private schools might have a bit of flexibility but government schools will have a cut off at 60.

Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:43

@Vevevoom I've been using an agency and also responding to individual schools advertisements on TES.

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saraclara · 09/05/2023 18:45

Ageism. With the visa issues adding a veneer of legitimacy to it.

tweener · 09/05/2023 18:45

It will probably be your age, if that or your DOB is on the application forms? You have to reapply for a visa at 60 so schools are "risking" having to rehire in a couple of years potentially.

Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:49

@saraclara that's what I'm beginning to believe. My friend who is an assistant head has checked over my covering letter which I change and tweak and individualise for different applications. I have so much experience and so much to offer and I don't see how I can improve my applications at this point.

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Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:51

@tweener yes unfortunately I have to disclose my dob on most applications, they vary from school to school. Some even ask for height and weight.

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Hellocatshome · 09/05/2023 18:51

Does it have to be Dubai? I know a few teachers who have gone to Qatar and love it. I do think ageism may be an issue here though.

tweener · 09/05/2023 18:53

OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:51

@tweener yes unfortunately I have to disclose my dob on most applications, they vary from school to school. Some even ask for height and weight.

Over the years I've seen various job adverts in UAE specify sex and/or age ranges on a job advert. Not sure what the legality is over there but I'd assume your age is the issue. Is there anywhere else you'd consider?

Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:53

@Hellocatshome no it doesn't have to be. I will definitely be looking further afield now.

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Original poster
OneDay32 · 09/05/2023 18:56

@tweener when I started out on this process I was shocked at how many had an age limit of seemingly arbitrary numbers..36,42..50? I'm only applying for those roles which didn't have such specifications. That part of the world would be ideal as their packages are so generous.

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cordelia16 · 09/05/2023 19:27

Would you consider Singapore? They have a lot of international schools, and when we lived there I remember seeing a wide range of ages amongst the teachers.

tweener · 09/05/2023 19:32

cordelia16 · 09/05/2023 19:27

Would you consider Singapore? They have a lot of international schools, and when we lived there I remember seeing a wide range of ages amongst the teachers.

Looking at the requirements for Singapore the maximum age for a work visa is 50 years old, 60 if the position is classed as "highly skilled." Not sure if teaching comes under that as far as the legislation goes. I think they have Skilled, Max Skilled and Highly Skilled as options.

cordelia16 · 09/05/2023 19:34

tweener · 09/05/2023 19:32

Looking at the requirements for Singapore the maximum age for a work visa is 50 years old, 60 if the position is classed as "highly skilled." Not sure if teaching comes under that as far as the legislation goes. I think they have Skilled, Max Skilled and Highly Skilled as options.

Show quote history

Ah. I didn't know that. Thanks.

lifesnotaspectatorsport · 10/05/2023 17:46

@OneDay32 He says find the head or academic director's details and send in your CV direct with a letter explaining your experience and why you'd love to work for their school. There's a big turnover of people in Dubai and you might get lucky with something that's urgent or not advertised yet.

If you apply via the usual job ads, HR will be screening the applicants and age is a common reason to discard before anyone senior ever sees your CV.

CorvusPurpureus · 10/05/2023 17:49

Would elsewhere in the ME suit? & what do you teach?

Original poster
OneDay32 · 10/05/2023 19:28

@lifesnotaspectatorsport that is exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for. I think I will definitely do this. Thank you 😊
@CorvusPurpureus I'm primary and also CELTA qualified. Yes beginning to think I need to look further than ME

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