How to fit in
Other key points
Discipline Wisely
• Always use the right hand when
greeting. Among Muslims, the
left hand is reserved for bodily
hygiene and considered unclean.
The right hand should be used for
eating, shaking hands, or handing
over an item.
Emirati students: As with children
everywhere, Emirati children also
have behavioural issues. Be cool.
Never attempt to discipline any child
physically. This is a serious offence
that will result in dire consequences
for you (immediate dismissal and
possible prosecution).
• Status is important and must be
recognized by using the correct
title when addressing someone.
It is important to greet and
acknowledge the most senior
person in the room first. Arabs
generally address people by their
first names, so David Brown will be
addressed as Mr David.
• It is good to enquire about an
Emirati’s family with specific
reference to his or her children.
This is a good way to build
trust and to connect with your
Arab counterparts. On the
other hand, it is in poor taste to
ask about their counterpart’s
wives or daughters. Do not ask
how many wives they have!
The language barrier is
real
With Emirati students: Arabic is
traditionally rich and strictly spoken
in their tight knit family circle. You
will find that some of your Emirati
students (mainly the younger ones)
tend to struggle in subjects that
are not in Arabic. Be patient and
persistent. Look for creative ways
to motivate these students to learn.
Ask colleagues for help (ideas or
strategies that worked for them).
Emirati parents: Keep in mind the
local customs that govern meeting
with Emiratis. Physical contact
between the sexes outside of
family is discouraged. Try to meet
the parents early and develop a
rapport with them. Some Emirati
parents may become emotional
when addressing issues relating to
their children. Diplomacy is key. Do
not take offence. If the situation is
about to become overwhelming for
you, seek help from your supervisor
or vice-principal.
Emirati colleagues, parents and
western colleagues: Despite our
best efforts, disagreements will
happen. Fighting or hitting someone
is prohibited and will result in
prosecution. If you get upset, excuse
yourself from the situation. Engaging
in a shouting match will profit you
nothing, except possible suspension
or dismissal. Again, be cool.
differently here than in your home
country. You will also notice that
some teachers are quite vocal about
these things. You are not in your
home country.
Each school has a different way of
doing things. When you become
a complainer, you will find many
things to complain about that
are often trivial. Additionally,
constantly
complaining
could
cause your colleagues to think that
you are unhappy. Every school
wants teachers who love their jobs,
because this means that they will
focus on being amazing teachers.
When problems arise, be objective.
Keep a positive outlook. Look for
solutions instead of adding to the
problem.
Participate & create
Be patient
School
activities
&
events:
Throughout the school year, there will
be numerous activities and events.
Get involved. Join committees that
match your skills set. Challenge
yourself by accepting leadership
roles on these committees. Share
creative ideas for events that you
think would be beneficial to your
school community. Participating
shows that you are invested in your
school. This could lead to other
opportunities for you when the time
comes for teachers to be promoted.
Start early and commit to the
process.
Professionally & personally: The
UAE is a very advanced country, but
you will find that sometimes things
take a while to get done. Don’t be in
a rush. Understand that the language
barrier, differences in culture and
personalities can contribute to
things taking a longer time to be
resolved. Try not to be too critical.
Avoid comparisons with your home
country. Complaining and criticising
will not make things happen more
efficiently. Be resourceful. Ask
your colleagues and friends for
suggestions on how to get things
done a bit easier.
Social events: Teachers from your
school, as well as those with whom
you interacted during orientation
will invite you to social gatherings.
Accept the invitation and turn up
with a gift. Network with others.
Your school community and friends
made outside of school are your
family away from home. Plan your
own gatherings/outings and invite
the people that you wish to develop
meaningful
relationships
with.
Finally, fitting in can be easy if you try.
Know that you will make mistakes.
When you do, acknowledge that
you are wrong. Always ask for help.
Ignorance is not an excuse. Learn as
much as possible about the UAE’s
history and culture. There are many
festivals that happen throughout
the school year. Go out and see
the culture on display. Maintain key
relationships with your Western
counterparts and don’t be afraid
to interact with Emiratis and other
Arabs. Good luck!
Keep a positive
outlook
Professionally and personally: You
will find that some things are done
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2016 - 2017
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