In the tourism industry, UAE is one of the most desired destinations for most of the people around the globe. Well, the same desire is also present among the TEFL teachers’ community as well. We all know that the English language has become an integral part of every individual regardless of the fact whether their first language is English or not.
According to preply.com survey, we can witness that in most schools around the world teaching English is mandatory because it gives individuals an edge to communicate in English which is the demand everywhere whether in educational institutes or any possible industry.
UAE is also no exception; their govt. also wants to improve the English proficiency of their citizens and this opens the door for capable TEFL teachers around the globe. With plenty of opportunities to teach English as a foreign language, UAE also offers a rich culture, eye-catching infrastructure, stunning scenery, and a luxurious life which makes it one of the popular destinations for TEFL teachers.
In this blog post, we will be sharing what are the requirements and criteria that you must fulfill to teach in UAE and we also cover some of the most commonly asked questions from aspiring TEFL teachers which will clear your doubts.
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So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
Requirements for Teaching in UAE
To teach English in UAE, you will need to meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the school or institution you wish to work for. Generally, the following qualifications are necessary:
Below we have shared every requirement that you must meet to begin your TEFL teaching Career. However, remember that the criteria may differ depending on the school and institutions
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
One of the most basic yet important requirements to teach in UAE is that you must be a holder of at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field or a Master’s. However, some of the schools or institutes may require you to have a degree in the subject you will be teaching.
TEFL or Teaching Certificates
Having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is a must, if you have a dream to teach in UAE. This certificate will show your employer that you can teach non-native English speakers efficiently and be able to handle the challenges ESL students face in the classroom.
Teaching License
A teaching license is also a must and it’s one of the major criteria to teach in UAE. This teaching license will ensure your employers that you are competent and qualified enough to teach.
Attesting Documents
Like educational qualifications, proper documentation is also necessary to teach in the UAE. You must attest all of the documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and your country's embassy in the UAE. Generally, if you secure a teaching job before landing, your employers can take care of all the documentation.
Medical Fitness Report and Criminal Clearance Record
To get a working visa in UAE, you must need to provide your medical fitness report claiming you’re fit and a criminal record report claiming you don’t have any criminal background.
Experience
Lastly, many schools and institutes require teachers to have prior teaching experiences of at least 2-3 years and the salary package is also high.
Commonly Asked Questions Related To Teaching In UAE
Below we have answered some of the top questions which is being asked by aspiring TEFL teachers frequently all over the world.
Is Degree Necessary To Teach In UAE?
In UAE and in other emirates like Dubai, the majority of schools have a requirement that their teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, there are some schools in Fujairah or Ajman that employ individuals with an undergraduate degree. In that case, TEFL certification, for example, Online and Live Online TEFL Programs is a normal requirement. It is highly recommended to get TEFL certification to increase your chances of getting a teaching job at UAE.
Do You Need to Know Arabic to Teach English in UAE?
No, knowing Arabic is not a requirement for teaching English in UAE. English is widely spoken and understood in the country. English is considered to be a second language in the UAE. Street signs, restaurant menus, and advertisements are mostly written in English, with Arabic translations. While not mandatory, learning a few Arabic words or phrases can be beneficial and appreciated by the locals.
Can You Teach English in UAE Without Teaching Experience?
As we have also mentioned earlier having prior teaching experience can prove to be beneficial but it’s not mandatory. However, if you have past teaching experience then you can expect more job opportunities with higher salary packages, the opportunity to teach foreign families English, opportunity to offer private tutoring classes to any age group of students who want to improve their English proficiency. Additionally, as the travelling, hospitality, and business industries are growing they demand highly capable TEFL teachers who can help their employees to communicate in English efficiently.
Do You Need a License to Teach in UAE?
Technically, yes! Because in 2017, the UAE Ministry of Education introduced a Teacher's Licensing System (TLS), and starting from 2020, all teaching professionals in the UAE will be required to have a teaching license.
However, even without a teaching license, you can still find teaching opportunities by obtaining a TEFL or a teaching certificate. Persistence, determination, and having a credible teaching certificate can increase your chances of getting an English teaching job in the UAE.
How to Find Teaching Jobs in UAE?
Online job sites are great starting points when searching for teaching jobs in the UAE. Websites like Naukri Gulf, Ed Arabia, Indeed, Dubizzle, and Bayt post several vacancies in UAE and in other emirates like Dubai as well.
Additionally, valuable information on job openings can also be obtained through checking schools and their websites. Some institutions use recruitment agencies to facilitate the hiring process. Search Associates is one organization that connects teachers with different schools and helps them throughout the recruitment period.
However, it is important to research about the school’s reputation or agency before applying to prevent cases of job scams from happening to you.
Be Well-Informed Before Starting Your TEFL Career in UAE
UAE is one of the popular destinations for TEFL teachers to build their teaching English career and at the same time explore and experience different places there. In this blog post, we have covered every doubt that one can have regarding building a TEFL career in UAE which you can read and make yourself well-informed.
So, what are you waiting for, start pursuing courses like Online and Live Online TEFL Programs, pack your bag, make yourself well-informed, and embark on a fulfilling career in one of the most dynamic destinations in the world.
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