THEY SAY THAT travel is the best form of education, and as I begin my second year living and working in the United Arab Emirates, I am forced to agree.
Unlike many young people working abroad, I did not choose to move to the UAE due to unemployment.
I was in the very fortunate position to have a permanent teaching job in Co. Meath, and was lucky to have the opportunity to take a career break from my school.
I live in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in a smaller city called Al Ain. It’s a little more traditional and conservative than Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It’s a beautiful place to live and is known as ‘the healing city’ as the atmosphere is extremely relaxed and there are more gardens and greenery to be seen.
Source: Dearbhla GilroyMy school is situated deep into the desert, about a 50 minute drive from where I am living. The people who live in this region were traditionally nomads, and camel rearing and farming is their greatest industry.
I work alongside a variety of teachers, mainly Emirati, Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian, Americans and South Africans.
Most days I wear the traditional Abaya. I am not obliged to wear this, but I find it comfortable, convenient, and the local teachers appreciate it, and see it as respect for their culture.
The Arabic teachers have been nothing but welcoming towards me from the day I arrived. I also have many Arabic families living beside me.
My experience of these people is that they are incredibly warm- hearted, generous and open minded. They judge you not by what you wear, or where you’re from, or what religion you are, but by your character.
If you have a good heart, that’s all that is important to them.
They are fascinated by our culture and are very eager to share their traditions with westerners. Many of your co-workers will invite you to their homes to share a meal, and spend time with their families.
Arabic hospitality is second to none, and generally involves large quantities of Arabic food. It is seen as an insult to reject the food of your host, so I usually attempt to taste a little of everything.
Differences in teaching
My teaching experience has been a challenge. The discipline in many schools is poor, and thus the children’s behavior can be quite unruly.
It is not unusual to find children standing on tables, running out of the classroom or covering your whiteboard with permanent marker.
Although this may seem like every teachers nightmare, you tend to focus on the positives to remain sane, and Arabic children are the most loving and affectionate children and are hugely appreciative for the smallest of rewards.
To work in the public school system here, you must come with an open mind, and be extremely flexible.
Things are not going to be as they were at home. The education system is still in the development stages so things can change unexpectedly and you have to accept that.
The UAE itself is only 43 years old and the people and government have achieved a huge amount in that short space of time.
Love in the Emirates
Many people are nervous about dating an Arabic man. I have no such fears.
Despite my mammy’s intense warnings, I began a friendship with an Emirati man shorty after I arrived in the UAE.
It is as a result of this that I have learned so much more about the culture and been exposed to so many special celebrations.
Of course I had heard all the horror stories about women being second class citizens etc, but that has not been my experience.
There are good and bad everywhere in the world, so I don’t agree with stereotyping people according to their race, religion or nationality.
My experience living in the UAE for me, has been an extremely positive and happy one.
I’m sure there are people who may disagree with my impression of the UAE, but my perspective has been shaped purely by the positive experiences and fabulous people I have met here.
For anyone who is curious or tempted to move to the UAE, I would strongly recommend it. Of course it’s not for everybody, but the majority of people I know who have moved here, have no regrets.
It is important to come with an open mind and with respect for the cultural differences.
There is a very strong Irish community and a great opportunity to work and live alongside people from every walk of life.
I won’t live in the UAE forever as my heart is in Ireland with my family and friends, however I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and the experiences I’ve enjoyed to date.
Dearbhla Gilroy is a primary school teacher from Meath who is living and working in Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
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