Experienced and tertiary qualified TEFL teachers can find plenty of opportunities to live the dream by teaching English as a foreign language in the United Arab Emirates, mostly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While it is expensive to live in the UAE, salaries and packages are excellent. Normally a tertiary degree is required in addition to a TEFL certificate and 1-3yrs experience teaching, but not always…so ‘keep an eye’ on the job board for teaching jobs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You will need to apply for jobs from outside the UAE in order to get sponsorship for work permits, visas and exit visas under the ‘Kalafa System’ applicable to foreign workers living and working in the UAE. Only native English speakers from the following countries can apply for TEFL positions in the UAE:

UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Teaching English in Private Language Schools

There are a number of private language schools and centres in the UAE, predominantly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also in some lesser known cities such as Al Ayn. These schools generally only hire TEFL graduates with existing tertiary degrees in addition to their TEFL certification and at least 1 – 3yrs experience teaching English as a foreign language; nevertheless while tertiary degrees are required as a standard, it’s not necessary in every case.

Teaching English in Universities

There is a high demand for TEFL graduates in the UAE who can teach at suitably high University level. Again, an existing degree and plenty of proven experience is required in addition to proof of high-level teaching skills.

Teaching English in International Schools

There many International Schools in the UAE catering for the expat community as well as locals, mostly in and around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but most International Schools will require candidates to be licensed teachers. There’s little demand for teachers with only TEFL certificates in these schools, despite students coming from a variety of backgrounds (including from the UAE), and speaking a variety of languages.

Private English Tutoring for Children, Adults and Business Executives

There is constant demand for private tutors for children and adults in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular. You can make an excellent hourly rate, ideally provided you have other sponsored entry and there are no restrictions placed on you ‘moonlighting’ outside of your main job.