An open letter to
newly hired teachers
Dear newly hired teachers,
Teachers around the world are rushing to get their
last objectives in and their students ready for exams.
Those of us in the UAE are happily planning our next
vacation adventure, while our newly hired counterparts
are obsessing over their upcoming move to come and
join us.
There’s no way I can alleviate any of the symptoms of
‘newbie madness’. It’s a phase that we all go through. I
can, however, share a few generalities that might help
when you move here.
In my culture, fermented grape juice is so ingrained
into our celebrations. We even sometimes use it during
church ceremonies. So, you can imagine my relief
when I learned that (whew) it was also available here.
It is, however, not a part of UAE culture, and while the
country has made provisions for us to continue to enjoy
our version of fun and tradition, we sometimes forget
what’s acceptable to us is not the norm for the locals.
Have as much fun as you want to have, just remember
where you’re allowed to do it and how. Sometimes
fellow expats forget that the local tolerance of our ways
does not condone our ignorance of their ways.
Tip: Learn what’s allowed before coming here, and
remember it when you make the big move.
The same applies to driving. At first it may seem as
though there are no rules on the road. But there are
unwritten expectations: stay out of the fast lane if you
want to go slowly (um, which includes the actual speed
limit), know roundabout etiquette (just because others
don’t follow it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t), and expect
the unexpected. Some people will park on an actual
road, or make a right hand turn from the left lane.
Tip: Yield. it’s just easier that way.
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Tip: Just be open-minded and willing to try something
different.
You’re a foreigner. Some people will like you, some
won’t. Continue to remind yourself that each person
you meet is unique. There is no collective ‘they’ out to
get you, only you giving in to the negative or positive
aspects. I choose the positive and have been blessed
to meet and work with many wonderful souls from
around the world.
Tip: That said do make sure you understand the norms
and expectations of your work place. It’ll make clinging
to the positive much easier.
And last but not least, give yourself time to adjust and
take it all in. You don’t need to spend every free minute
being the perpetual tourist. Some of the best parts
about living here are not the ones you read about in
travel blogs.
Tip: Obvious reminder, be open-minded and look for
the positives in every situation.
Good luck getting ready for the UAE and have a
fantastic time with your loved ones before you get here!
Kind regards,
Bettina Bennett.
Tell your preconceived notions to hush. It takes time to
do this, but once you get comfortable trying new things
18 | May - Jun 2016 |
you’ll find gems in unexpected places. Within walking
distance of my apartment there’s a Turkish spa, next to
it is a dental office. They look like they’re in someone’s
apartment, and I first told myself there’s no way I’d go
in there. It turns out that a friend of mine loves using
that dentist, and the spa is now my favorite place to go.
It’s incredibly beautiful inside, and they spoil me there.
The same goes for some of my favorite eateries.
Class Time