Why hire teachers from overseas?
Employing educators from around the world in Middle Eastern schools brings a multitude of advantages. These teachers bring diverse teaching methods, cultural insights, and unique experiences to classrooms, enriching students' perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of global diversity.
Additionally, international teachers often introduce innovative approaches that enhance the quality of education. Hiring native English speakers or those fluent in English ensures high-quality language instruction, essential for students pursuing higher education abroad or international exams like IELTS and TOEFL. These teachers not only teach the language, but also provide cultural context, making language learning more engaging.
Overseas teachers often possess specialized qualifications and expertise in various subjects, enriching the curriculum and allowing schools to offer a broader range of subjects to cater to individual student interests. In conclusion, recruiting teachers from overseas contributes to a dynamic educational environment, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and enhances the overall quality of teaching and learning.
Requirements when recruiting a teacher from overseas
When considering teaching positions in the Middle East, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements. Let’s explore the specifics:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Qualifications and experience
In Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, secondary-level teachers need a degree in the subject they are trained to teach (e.g., a math teacher must have a math degree) followed by a PGCE or BEd.
At the primary level, any degree is acceptable, followed by a PGCE or standard BEd.
A minimum of two years of teaching experience is required.
Dubai is more flexible; ECTs (Early Career Teachers) are welcome, and there’s no requirement for secondary school teachers to have studied their subject at the degree level.
ECTs in Dubai must be employed at a British Schools Overseas (BSO) school to complete their ECT year.
Teacher Licenses
By 2021, all teachers in the UAE, including those in international schools, need a teacher license.
The Teacher and Education Leadership Standards (TELS) licensing program aims to standardize qualifications for Emirati and expatriate teachers.
TELS UAE standards cover professional conduct, knowledge, practice, and growth.
Existing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) can contribute to achieving the TELS UAE qualification, even if attained outside the UAE.
General Middle East requirements
Work visa
Most Middle Eastern countries require a work visa for legal employment.
Visa requirements vary by country, but generally, you’ll need a valid passport and a work permit.
Additional checks
Some countries may also require a medical check-up or a criminal background check.
For example, the UAE may have stricter entry tests, such as HIV and tuberculosis blood testing, before granting work clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who applies for the employment visa?
The school acts as the sponsor for the employment visa. They will initiate the visa application process and cover the associated costs. Ideally, the application should be submitted before the candidate’s arrival in the Middle East.
Who arranges the medical examination?
The medical examination is a mandatory step in the visa process. Once the candidate is in the country, the school is responsible for arranging and paying for the medical examination. This straightforward test typically includes a blood test and a chest X-ray.
Which documents need attestation?
The candidate must have the following documents attested:
Educational certificates: These include the degree, degree transcript, and PGCE (if the candidate does not hold a Bachelor of Education).
Marriage certificate: If the candidate plans to sponsor their spouse or children, the marriage certificate must be legally translated into Arabic.
Children’s birth certificates: These should clearly state the child’s name, current year group, and the expected completion date of the school year.
Transfer certificates: Required for all school-aged children.
Additionally, ensure that the documents undergo full attestation, including obtaining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stamp from both the candidate’s home country and the Middle Eastern country they are relocating to. This attestation process is essential for processing the employment visa and obtaining approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Remember that timely attestation of educational certificates is crucial, as the approval process cannot begin until these documents are received.
Who arranges the candidate’s flight?
Typically, schools take responsibility for booking and covering the costs of the candidate’s flight. As a general recommendation, candidates should plan to arrive three or four days before the expected start of the induction program at the school.
How is accommodation arranged for the candidate?
Most schools provide paid accommodation for teachers relocating. Ideally, this housing should be conveniently located near the workplace to minimize commuting hassles.
Additionally, the accommodation should be fully furnished, with adequate storage in the kitchen and bedrooms.
Who covers utility costs?
Teachers are responsible for paying their own utility bills.
Transportation from Accommodation to School
During the initial weeks, schools often offer transportation assistance to help teachers until they can arrange their own means of transportation.
Download now: Hiring checklist - overseas recruitment for schools in the Middle East
Work with Reed
Finding and attracting the best talent for your school is one of the key success factors to ensuring that your staff and students are happy and can flourish. Partnering with specialist recruiters, with access to local and international talent alleviates a great amount of work when it comes to finding, screening, and recruiting staff.
With over 60 years of recruitment experience, Reed's education experts are here to help you address any recruitment challenges head-on and help you design and implement an effective recruitment strategy.
Contact our office to find out more. Let’s work together to make your school a hub of excellence and diversity.
