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Hi,

Dubai is an apt place for westerners to settle in. Life is comfortable in this part of the world. Having lived in the USA, I can tell you that Dubai in certain ways is better and at the same time will remind you of home.

There are areas built to the needs and taste of westerners.

However, one has to follow the Islamic rules, primarily during the holy month.

All the best with your moving.

Cheers,
Cris

Beachesnc wrote:

Hello everyone,
I am a mature single teacher. Considering relocating.
I have varied interest...fun and outgoing, yet  respectful of my profession
and it's importance in the community. How  would life be? Are there familiar business
To Anerica to accommodate  a westerner needs?
Do you have a sense if safety?

Thanks ,
Sandy beaches

Beachesnc wrote:

Hello everyone,
I am a mature single teacher. Considering relocating.
I have varied interest...fun and outgoing, yet  respectful of my profession
and it's importance in the community. How  would life be? Are there familiar business
To Anerica to accommodate  a westerner needs?
Do you have a sense if safety?

Thanks ,
Sandy beaches

Hi Sandy

Here in dubai is peaceful country to living, Dont worry

100 percent safe country if you need more informations please feel to contact

achu768 at yahoo dot com

With regrds

Abraham Chandy

I am also a teacher thinking about relocating with my son.  Are you applying or thinking about applying?

BostonBW wrote:

I am also a teacher thinking about relocating with my son.  Are you applying or thinking about applying?

This may be a bit late but I'm a single teacher as well and I've been here (Abu Dhabi) for 3 years. I've felt perfectly safe the entire time and life has been easy here. I love to travel which I've done quite a bit of because it's more affordable from here. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me or ask on here.

Korbie82
Thanks for the reply!  I've accepted an offer from ADEC. So excited!!  I'll be among the many to arrive in August, 2013.  My teaching field is K-3.  I retired from teaching in NC, June 2012.

I've begun sorting my education stuff to minimize it.
What grade level do you teach?  It's reassuring to hear you like it their. Sounds like you opted for a second contract. That really good news.  What region do you live in?
I'm open to all suggestions on what I should and should not pack.  I'm open to any suggestions about anything that will make this transition easier.   Thanks for your time.

My email is flint.joann@yahoo.com
FB:  Joann Tatum Flint

Beachesnc wrote:

Korbie82
Thanks for the reply!  I've accepted an offer from ADEC. So excited!!  I'll be among the many to arrive in August, 2013.  My teaching field is K-3.  I retired from teaching in NC, June 2012.

I've begun sorting my education stuff to minimize it.
What grade level do you teach?  It's reassuring to hear you like it their. Sounds like you opted for a second contract. That really good news.  What region do you live in?
I'm open to all suggestions on what I should and should not pack.  I'm open to any suggestions about anything that will make this transition easier.   Thanks for your time.

My email is flint.joann@yahoo.com
FB:  Joann Tatum Flint

I'm the English Medium Head of Faculty at a small school in the Al Gharbia region. I've lived out here in the sticks(or sand lol) for all 3 years...while it does take some adjusting, the experience at my school with the entire staff, both Arabic and English, made it worth the stay so far away from the city. Since you're coming in August I would suggest bringing some items you absolutely love working with. The resources differ dramatically from school to school. It completely depends on the principal's understanding and acceptance of the New School Model. If you're planning on returing home during your wonderful 3 week winter break that would be the ideal time to pick up anything you may want/need that you left. There are teacher stores in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaima. When you arrive and are given your placement I would suggest joining the facebook group that corresponds, there's a wealth of information there. My biggest piece of advice is listen, observe and be as diplomatic as possible your first few months. Though the AMTs and administrative staff can be very nice trust/personal relationships is a major factor here and it'll take a while for that to build.
Social Tip: If you're invited to someone's home or out to lunch decline the first two times they offer which may be in rapid succession. If they truly mean it they'll offer a third time...this is the Arabic way.

Korbie, do u kno any administrators that joined the ranks? I am waiting on my contract and I wanted kno what type of accomodations should I expect. I read somewhere a villa for families, but its just me and my daughter. Any info u could give would b wonderful

flimbric2 wrote:

Korbie, do u kno any administrators that joined the ranks? I am waiting on my contract and I wanted kno what type of accomodations should I expect. I read somewhere a villa for families, but its just me and my daughter. Any info u could give would b wonderful

Honestly your housing will depend on where you're placed but since you have a child you'll probably end up in Al Ain or Abu Dhabi where you'll have lots of options. In fact there are many teachers who have been able to get wonderful apartments paid for by ADEC that are not ADEC housing. If you're in Al Ain you'll probably end up at the Hilli which is an apartment complex that has lots of families. I'm in the west were we have no choice so I'm not too sure about the housing. I'll ask my contacts in EMT support at get back to you with a more sure answer.

Is there a website with ADEC housing listed?

flimbric2 wrote:

Is there a website with ADEC housing listed?

There is not a list that I am aware of.

Hi Korbie! I wanted to know if you knew anything about the private schools? Trying to figure out what's a good school for my son to go to.  Also, I've heard that school supplies are scarce, do you recommend me shipping some supplies to myself?

BostonBW wrote:

Hi Korbie! I wanted to know if you knew anything about the private schools? Trying to figure out what's a good school for my son to go to.  Also, I've heard that school supplies are scarce, do you recommend me shipping some supplies to myself?

The selection of private schools depends on where you'll be. There are tons in Abu Dhabi and some in Al Ain as well. Since you have a child(if you're working with ADEC) I doubt you'll be placed in Al Gharbia. I don't know much about the private schools in the cities but there's a wealth of resources on facebook. There are several ADEC groups where you can get information on the best private schools. School supplies completely depend on where you're placed. My suggestion to everyone has been bring/ship what you ABSOLUTELY love/need/like to teach with and go back in December(three week break) for what you feel you are lacking. You could also pre-box supplies and have them mailed to you when you get here if you decide not to go home for winter break. Some schools have an abundance of resources and some are struggling.

The dating scene depends on what you like. The large number of expats means there's something for everyone. I've been on some amazing dates(desert safari ending with a spa treatment) and met some great guys. I also know of several teachers of all ages that have met and married their significant others here. Personally my significant other and I met through a mutual friend here. Dating is quite common here(though they say it's not allowed) and there are lots of things to do.

Thank you so much for the info!  Retorical question, if you don't date, how can you marry?! Lol!  How do you feel about your school, students, work load, etc.?

hi can v b friends?

I've stayed at my school becuase I truly was happy there. I work well with the entire staff and we're like a family. I teach KG and when I first got here the kids were wild! There was very little management so the English staff had to set ground rules and model how to properly implement a behavior management plan. Now we have very few issues because we're all on the same page for the most part. The work load is alot because I'm the HoF and generally speaking we're the workhorses of the school. We have to guide, please yet hold accountable just about everyone including the principals. It's challenging but I like a challenge. Your workload will depend on what grade level you teach and the level of understanding your school leadership and staff have of the New School Model.

BostonBW wrote:

Thank you so much for the info!  Retorical question, if you don't date, how can you marry?! Lol!  How do you feel about your school, students, work load, etc.?

Thanks again Korbie!