Teaching English in Dubai
Teaching English in Dubai
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: Required
Monthly Salary: $3,500 to 5,500 USD
Peak Hiring: All year round
Visa Information: Work visa before entry
Housing: Compensated or subsidized
Airfare: Fully reimbursed
Student Types: Business English and children
At a Glance
Many people are uncertain about what life is like as an English teacher in Dubai; it can seem like a strange choice at first glance. However, as more and more people begin to recognize the importance of fluency in English, the demand for teachers in Dubai continues to grow. If you’re considering this as a career path or are simply curious about everything that comes with teaching English in Dubai, read on to discover everything you need to know.
Overview
A lot of foreign teachers are tempted by the idea of teaching English in Dubai. It might be because of the high tax-free salary. Besides that, accommodation is also typically covered and bonuses are handed out for completing contracts.
But first, you have to realize that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are a fusion of many cultures and people. It’s estimated that 90% of the 10 million people that live there are expats. The majority of foreign teachers believe that the Emirates is generally friendly to Western people. It is believed to be a stepping stone before teaching English in Saudi Arabia.
There are mixed experiences about teaching English in Dubai. The climate is hot and humid. The beaches are clean in general. Public transportation is affordable, but renting an apartment yourself is not. There are big fines for spitting, littering, and breaking the law.
English Language Schools in Dubai
Schools have high expectations for teacher qualifications. Usually, you need a teacher’s license for teaching English in Dubai. You might be able to slip into a language center with just a Bachelor’s degree. You’re looking good if you have an M.A. TESOL or Degree in Applied Linguistics.
Be flexible. Be prepared. You need a bit more than TEFL certification because TEFL jobs are hard to find. Many go by word of mouth before they reach the external advertising stage. This is where networking comes in handy.
In all jobs, expect to be putting in a full 40-hour week, 5 days a week because you often don’t get light workloads. You could be using a curriculum off the shelf or creating your own as required. Be prepared for extra paperwork, activities, and obligations when you’re teaching English in Dubai.
Salary
You can earn anywhere from $3,500 to 5,500 USD (12,000 – 20,000 AED) per month. The salary is fantastic. And even better is that it’s tax-free. UAE also offers bonuses for completing contracts and flight reimbursements.
One of the most important things you should look out for in your contract is that it includes housing. You don’t want to pay for this out of your own pocket because housing is expensive compared to other Gulf countries.
The savings potential is very high in the UAE. The cost of food is cheaper than in Saudi Arabia and transportation costs are on par with the rest of the Gulf. It’s possible to save anywhere from $800-1,000 USD monthly salary if that’s what you’re looking to do.
| Monthly Salary | Total |
|---|---|
| US Dollars (USD) | 3,500 to 5,500 USD |
| United Arab Emirates Dirham | 12,000 to 20,000 AED |
Certification
The demand for teachers with fluency in English is surprisingly very high in Dubai and is only expected to rise. If you’re interested in a fast-paced and exciting career that will see you travel the world while simultaneously helping others, then teaching English as a foreign language in Dubai could be the perfect opportunity for you.
There are thousands of opportunities for people who want to become English teachers in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates. If you have an advanced level of English and a desire to work with students, there are many opportunities to teach English in Dubai. These TEFL certification courses can help you get one step further to becoming a proficient English teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
The current rule is that yes you can drink in UAE if you hold a liquor license. You are allowed to drink in your own home, apartment, or hotel room. But check up on the latest laws for alcohol rules and regulations in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE is an elective monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates. The emirates consist of Abu Dhabi (the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
Driving is not as bad as in Saudi Arabia. There are camera towers everywhere checking for speeding, tailgating, and ruler breaking. Some cameras are recording 24 hours a day and help determine who is at fault in a car accident.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the top-earning locations for salary. You can earn anywhere from $3,500 to 5,500 USD (12,000 – 20,000 AED) per month. But the qualifications to get hired are strict if you can find a job at all.
Usually, you need a teacher’s license for teaching English in Dubai. A Bachelor’s Degree might be sufficient for you to work in a language center. If you have an M.A. TESOL or Degree in Applied Linguistics, these qualifications are the most sought-after in universities.