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This is how the idea began... I went with some of my girlfriends to see Sex in the City 2 earlier this year. I've always known about Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I watched the Discover Channel show the progress of the Burj al Arab being built for pete's sake but I really had a chance to see more of this amazing country in the movie. My jaw dropped at the sheer opulence of these places! I thought to myself....I have to go there! It became a "must visit" on my list of places to travel.
I am a certified teacher in Florida and have been looking for permanent work since 2008. It's been a challenge and sometimes frustrating not to get any calls for employment. People say it's because of a down economy but it still hurt my ego at times when no one even called me for an interview. I got an office job to make ends meet and support my daughter while I continued my job search in Broward and Palm Beach County. Finally this August, a friend of mine called me from Port St. Lucie and told me our university alumni was teaching in Abu Dhabi. I was like really? Tell me more! She explained how he's been there a year and is doing well. They pay for your room and board along with a tax free salary. I became elated and the wires in my brain started to work. I asked her for his information immediately. I found out it's a teacher placement program called Teach Away! I asked more questions and was able to get a better feel for the program. I applied on their website on a Monday not really expecting a phone call because I have sent numerous resumes for the past two years and barely got a bite. On Tuesday I got a phone call from them to schedule a phone interview for Wednesday! I couldn't believe it! My phone interview went well so I was asked if I was serious to do the final in person interview in Atlanta, GA on Friday! I couldn't believe my ears so I spoke to my fiancé and he quickly made plans for us to drive to Atlanta (13 hours). I get to the interview and then I realized this was for real. Everyone was very welcoming and I had everything on my end prepared. I impressed my interviewer (who I didn't know was the head person in charge of the program) because he gave me a contract on the spot! I had three days to decide! My head spun for three days. I researched, asked my loved ones opinions and did YouTube research on this country and all I could get was positive feedback. The decision was made and so I signed the contract to teach in the UAE August of 2010!
I'll be writing weekly posts on my experience so follow my blog and comments are welcome!
