Working and studying in the UAE will provide you with a diverse variety of experiences that you will not find anywhere else. This extends to the profession of teaching, which comes with several unique advantages compared to other countries. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of teaching in the UAE.
1. Tax-free salaries
The UAE features some of the highest teaching salaries in the world. But that’s not all – salaries here are not taxed! That means that what you see on your salary offer is what you get every payday. This makes an already sizable salary even more lucrative.
2. Benefits packages
For many foreign teachers working in the UAE, the additional benefits can also be very enticing. Many schools offer accommodation or a housing allowance to help towards renting an apartment, an annual flight allowance to your home country, relocation flight to start your employment in the UAE, schooling for your child(ren) and medical insurance. At the end of your employment you will be entitled to an end of service gratuity payment.
3. Warm climate
The UAE’s climate is pretty much summer-like all year round, making it perfect for those who prefer hot weather.
4. A diverse, multicultural experience
Private schools are rapidly growing in the UAE, especially in Dubai. This comes with the opportunity to interact with a melting pot of culture, with dozens of countries and many languages spoken. Working here means working with people from all walks of life, and it can help you grow as both a teacher and as a person.
5. Requirements
With all the benefits and the potentially lucrative salary, what does it take to get in a teaching position at the best schools in UAE?
An appropriate degree
Schools will look generally for a Bachelor of Education Degree or Degree in the subject to be taught together with a professional teaching qualification as a minimum requirement. Teachers must be proficient in the language of instruction and have an appropriate qualification demonstrating language proficiency.
Relevant teaching experience
Schools vary in relation to the minimum number of years’ experience they require a teacher to have at hire. Some schools will take NQTs, others may require a minimum of 2 years teaching experience.
ICT competence
Modern education is informed by technological trends and employs them daily. You should be aware of information and communications technology, as well as how to use the most common products such as Microsoft Office and Skype, if you want to be on an equal playing field with the rest of the teachers and the student body.
Teacher Licensing
For schools in Dubai, teachers must apply for a Provisional Teacher Licence (PTL). In order to receive this, teachers must have relevant qualifications and experience, provide proof of legal status, a certificate of good conduct and fitness, as well as an IELTS score of 6. Having received the PTL, if they meet the requirements, they can then begin the application for the Competent Teacher Status (CTS) licence.
A great place to start looking
If you want a teaching workplace and environment that ticks all the positive boxes we’ve discussed, consider Swiss International School in Dubai. Our community has worked so hard since it opened its doors in 2015 to bring quality education and pastoral care to our students, and you can be a part of this, making a difference for our children.
