Survival Tips When Teaching in the UAE

With a shortage of hundreds of teachers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the growing tourist and hospitality industries, demand for native English speaking teachers from the UK, US and Canada is increasing. Living and working in the UAE where the culture is very different from the West can be a challenging life event. Here are some useful tips to help you get prepared.

Banking

The Central Bank of the UAE regulates the banking system in the UAE. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the UAE has the largest number of local banks like the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and international banks such as HSBC and Citibank. Opening a bank account is fairly simple. To open a current account, you must have a valid residence visa. You also need to bring your passport and salary letter or a letter of NOC (No Objection) from your employer to open the current account. Some banks make it mandatory to retain a minimum balance. When comparing bank accounts, check the fees that you’ll be charged. To avoid the hassle of opening the account upon arrival, why not open it before you leave?

You can also apply for personal loans, car loans, and credit/debit/prepaid cards with banks in the UAE. In 2011, the Central Bank of the UAE issued new regulations that allow a borrower to obtain a loan up to 20 times his/her salary or regular income for a maximum repayment period of 48 months.

In general, banks are open from 8am to 3pm (Sunday to Thursday) and close on Friday.

Visa

To work in the UAE, you need to be sponsored by an employer. You also need to apply for a residence visa and an Emirates ID card to live and work there. As the visa is granted by the separate emirates, you need to contact the regional UAE embassy or consulates to find out more about the rules. For example, if you’re going to Abu Dhabi, the residence visa is valid for two years. If you intend to take your family, you must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (£670) or AED 3,000 plus family accommodation provided by your employers. The Emirates ID card is issued by the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA). The charge is AED100 for each year of residence.

Language

The language spoken in the UAE is Arabic. Although English is increasingly used in a business context, take some time to learn Arabic so that you can converse with the locals. It also shows that you’ve made an effort to learn about their culture. With many translation jobs available in the UAE, you can become a translator if you’re fluent in both English and Arabic. Acquiring new skills will open more options.

Health

Medical and health services across the UAE are broadly up to European standards. The UAE ranked 27 in the world health systems ranking of the World Health Organisation (WHO). All medical treatment is paid for in the UAE. You can choose either public or private healthcare facilities. While both offer high standards of medical care, the types and levels of services may differ. The majority of expatriates in the UAE use private ones. If you want to use public healthcare facilities, you need to apply for a health card to be eligible for government healthcare subsidies. Your employer should also provide private medical insurance for you.

Remember to ask for a copy of your medical records from your doctor before you move overseas. Should you need to see a doctor, he/she will have access to your medical history such as previous conditions, treatments and vaccinations.

Some prescription drugs and over-the counter medicines are considered controlled substances and are not permitted in the UAE. Produce a doctor’s letter or a copy of the original prescription if you intend to bring medicine into the UAE for your personal use. As a resident, you’re allowed to bring 12 months’ supply.

Dress code

Dress modestly at all times in public places. Men generally wear long trousers and shirt while women should cover their shoulders, upper arms and knees. Short skirts and dresses are not recommended in public. Most shopping malls will indicate the dress code that is considered permissible. Your swimming attire is appropriate on the beaches and in the swimming pools. Topless swimming and sunbathing are strictly forbidden.

Social life and etiquette

With a high proportion of the UAE’s population being expatriates, you’ll meet people from different nationalities. The UAE is becoming a popular place for expatriates from the UK. Since 2007, more than 10,000 Brits moved there a year. Most UK expats live in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

While living standards are higher in Abu Dhabi than other emirates, it’s relatively easy to achieve a higher quality of life in the UAE because there is no income tax on wages or salaries. During the weekend (Friday and Saturday), you can visit the beautiful beaches or the indoor ski slope in Dubai. To meet other expatriates, you can join business clubs such as the British Business Group Dubai that organises a broad range of hobbies and interests.

Avoid holding hands and kissing while walking in the streets as public displays of affection are considered disrespectful. Male business associates usually shake hands with each other but will shake the hand of a female business associates only if she extends her hand first. Do not be surprised if an Arab person pulls back his/her hand and holds it against the heart. This is a sign of greeting.

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Most restaurants are closed during the day and alcohol is served in some emirates only after sunset.

If you follow these tips, you’re well on your way to overcome the hurdles of moving to the UAE and enter a new phase of your life.

Originally from London, Jenny Smith has lived and worked in the UAE for four years

Image by Martha de Jong-Lantink used under creative commons licence

How Does Art Benefit a Child’s Development?

Children love art, it’s clear to see on their faces as they plaster their hands with paint and start printing their handprints onto paper.  Children find a great deal of pleasure as they finger paint, draw with crayons, play with clay and dough, it’s all good fun and experimental.  Watching children express themselves through art is a great pleasure for carers and parents too, but is there any real benefit to art or is it just a game?

Art is Important for Fine Motor Skills

There are many skills that can be learnt through art. The obvious one is the fine motor skills that are always given a workout during any artistic activity. Turning the pages of the colouring book, holding a paint brush and guiding it over the page, squeezing glue from the tube, it’s all helping your child develop their fine motor skills, getting them ready for school and life in general.

Problem Solving Skills

We like our children to feel confident and part of being confident is being able to try new things and attempt to solve problems as they arise. Problem solving and art goes hand in hand. Children try to make their creations using the selection of materials they have at hand. They may want to stick on a piece of felt to their picture in which case they’ll try to work out the materials that will make that possible, will sticky tape work well? If it doesn’t perhaps glue will be better? How about making different colours? What will happen if I mix red and blue? All these are little problems and children learn that there are many options available; it’s up to them to discover what will work best to get the results they want.

Communication Skills

Communication isn’t just about speaking or using hands to signal thoughts, questions and wants. Art is a form of communication too. Visual communication can be extremely important in children (and adults) especially when they have a hard time using words to express what they’re feeling.  Art as a form of communication can be an excellent tool, one used by many professionals, but it’s also useful for in the home.

If you think your child is having a hard time getting across their thoughts, handing over an empty piece of paper and some pens can be very beneficial. Children, often without realising it, will put their emotions, experiences and thoughts down onto paper giving parents an insight into what’s going on with them.  This isn’t just for young children; teenagers can often find it easier to communicate their emotions through art. Having access to paints and paper in the home can give your child a great outlet, even if they don’t intend on sharing it.

Help Develop Your Child’s Creativity

Creative arts help children work through their emotions and discover more about the world around them. It can be used to improve fine motor skills, to work on the imagination or to communicate when words aren’t sufficient. Therefore it’s certainly worthwhile stocking up on some artist materials that your child can have access to in the home. Visit http://www.jacksonsart.com/ and invest in some equipment and start helping your children explore through art.

Image attributed to: freedigitalphotos.net Sura Nualpradid

Five Tips for Online Learning

Studying for any course can be difficult, but studying remotely through an online portal can be more difficult. Many things can go for and against studying alone; we’ve put together a small guide on what to do to make your life easier and hopefully gain that qualification you’re aiming for.

1. Set Realistic Goals Make sure you have a full understanding of the workload for each course online before you register. Those working full time might find it more difficult to balance their other commitments with the amount of time required to succeed in study. Each course should provide information about its necessary level of dedication, although remember that every student works at their own pace and the statistics given are an average.

2. Understand Your Motivation When learning online, the perseverance and discipline needs to come entirely from within. Some people find this daunting, and the challenge of maintaining motivation throughout the course can be difficult. However, the fact that you have shown your commitment to self study and the ability to successfully manage your time will be very desirable to prospective employees, to whom you will appear independent and efficient. When you are certain you are determined to gain a qualification, online learning is a perfect solution. For more information on motivating yourself and for tips on how to do it, visit:

• Motivation Help

3. Make Use Of Support Each online study provider has their own methods of supporting their learners. For example, Kaplan Financial offer up to 16 hours of video tuition alongside a telephone and email support service, an online community through which students can interact with their peers and their tutors, and an interactive portal for further learning. This level of support makes it much easier for online students to succeed, as it reduces the risk of feeling isolated. Whatever kind of support is offered, be sure to make full use of services and to learn from others. For more information on studying and courses online go here:

• Kaplan Financial
• BBC Guide to Online Learning
• The Guardian guide to Online Learning

4. Create A Routine If a student were to be attending a college class, there would be fixed points in the day which were specifically dedicated to study. For the online student, there is not this structure – but that means students need to generate their own timetable and follow it. Consider other commitments throughout the day, and allocate time in which you will focus on your learning. Some people perform well during the mornings, others work better at night. Plan to succeed by working at times of day that suit you personally, not when you know you will be too tired to put in the effort.

5. Reward Yourself Studying online does need discipline and hard work, and as a reward for this allow yourself to be proud of your achievements. When an assignment is submitted, allocate yourself a small treat. Some choose special chocolates or cakes, others an activity or excursion. Make time for these rewards as they are highly motivational. Studying remotely, and online shouldn’t be a chore nor should it be hard to find motivation and complete your studies. Hopefully these simple steps and guide should further your studying and help you complete your course.

Five things you have to do in student council

The student council represents the voice of the students in every campus or school. The council is composed of representatives that cater to the needs of all learning individuals. They propose projects to further improve the school and influence proper learning ethnics, growth and unity among the students. Being a part of the student council can be fun and inspiring but most of the time the tasks of the council can be tedious since it involves proposing projects and implementing them thereafter.

There are countless of tasks that a student council can propose to the school administration. Here is a list of five things you have to do in student council which are not only fun but also life-changing, meaningful and inspiring.

School events

Aside from worrying about attending council meetings that discuss about operational matters, representatives of the student body have to organize social events for students within the campus. Events may range from sports tournament to parties, games, dance, concerts and other school activities that promotes or enhance the talents, skills, and school spirit of the students. Some of these activities allow students to take a rest from the brain-wracking academic matters and encourage their social interaction with other schoolmates.

Events may also include supporting relevant advocacies that call for local or global changes especially for students or groups who need aid and assistance like supporting child labor programs or requesting the administration to allow students who lack books to use the library during lunch.

Campus cleaning campaigns

This campaign is a good idea if your student council wants to make a difference. The student council may propose a campaign that will motivate and teach students the significance of keeping the campus clean which is beneficial for them and the environment at the same time. The campaign may involve recognizing students who helps in keeping the campus clean by picking up some trash on their own or throwing their own trash in proper garbage disposal. Awarding character trait tickets is one way of recognizing those responsible students. Indeed, this campaign will help in emphasizing good character traits which should be instilled to every student since the goal of keeping the cleanliness of the school is usually crucial to implement.

Fundraising

The council may host fundraising projects or social events that may provide the council funds which will be used as donations to charities, school or class funds and other special projects. Also, fundraising activities are encouraged when the council deems it necessary for students to use some school facilities like student radio, computers, or canteens. You can find more on specific fundraising ideas for high school here: https://www.cherrydale.com/Blog/high-school-fundraising-ideas/

Public awareness of certain topics

Another life-changing project that a student body may implement is a public awareness program on certain topics like AIDS or cancer awareness programs, tutoring workshops, anti-bullying law awareness, teachers’ appreciation programs and many others. Projects like these are designed to increase the students’ awareness on topics which are relevant to know or be part with.

Community service

It is also good to invite students to get involved in community services and issues aside from participating in school activities. Student councils from different schools may coordinate with local youth councils in putting up a project that will be beneficial to the community and the students.

Choosing a University

When choosing which universities you are going to apply for there are many factors to take into consideration. Follow our useful guide to help you decide on the university that is best for you.

Where to start?

The first thing 75% of university applicants think about when choosing their university is which course they want to study. This may seem like a daunting task as there are so many courses to choose from. Try breaking it down by thinking about things such as what subjects interest you, where your strengths lie and what kind of career you would like to go into once you graduate. Obviously it is important to be realistic and look at the entry requirements for each course.

Of course, that’s not the only place to start. There are other factors to take into account, such as location and money. Consider the following:

• How far from home would you like to live?
• Would you rather live in a big city or a small town?
• What kind of attractions and local facilities are there?
• Are there any parts of the country you would prefer or want to avoid?
• What are the costs of living?

If you are planning on living at home to save money, then that will considerable narrow down your university choices. Once you have made a list of universities you can then have a look at the courses on offer and find one that works for you.

The whole package

Although the course you study is an important part of university, being a student is about much more than that. You will spend the next 3 or 4 or even 7 years of your life there so you want to make sure the whole package fits. Help narrow down your choices by considering the other parts of your university experience.

Extra-curricular activities: You will want to start filling out your CV with additional interests and experiences from your time at university. Considerer which extra-curricular activities you would be interested in. If you have a certain interest make sure the university is able to cater for it. This can range from anything such as sports, drama, dance or politics. By pursuing these passions you will help get the most out of your university experience.

Housing: Housing is another important factor you do not want to forget about. It might not seem like a big motivating factor when choosing the right university, but it will make a big difference in your day to day life. Think about what kind of housing you would be most comfortable with:

• Do you want to live in shared accommodation?
• Do you want to live on campus?
• Do you want to cook for yourself?
• Do you have any special requirements that need to be catered for?

It will likely not vary a great deal from university to university, but certain requirements might not be met by all universities.

Final thoughts

It is not all about the degree, as we said before it’s about the whole experience. Think about what you are hoping to gain from your university experience and make sure the university you choose will be able to help you achieve this.

The Top 5 Universities in the UK Based on Student ...

The following ranking is based on the yearly survey of student satisfaction conducted by The Times. It measures student satisfaction in several key areas, including quality and helpfulness of staff, social life and extracurricular activities. The results are based on student ratings of their own university, which are then compiled to create the ranking system. This list gives an excellent insight into student life and happiness at their chosen university and should be one of the first ports of call when deciding which universities to apply for.

5. Loughborough University

Achieving an overall score of 82.8 is Loughborough University; it ranked one of the highest in several social areas such as quality of the student union and also scored very highly in the quality of sports facilities. These results are in keeping with the history of the University which has an unrivalled past of sporting achievement. It was even presented with the prestigious Sunday Times ‘2008/2009 University of the Year’ award.

4. University of Cambridge

With a total score of 83.9 the University of Cambridge is ranked fourth. Not surprisingly it achieved high feedback for its academic categories such as quality of staff and structure of courses. However, out of the top 5 it ranked worst in the fairness of the workload.  The University of Cambridge is known worldwide as a centre of educational excellence, with a long line of powerful and influential graduates throughout the history of the acclaimed institute.

3. University of Sheffield

Next on the list is the University of Sheffield, it also achieved an overall score of 83.9 and scored very well in social life experience and excellence of the student union. Conversely, out of the top 5, it achieved the worse score for tuition in small groups. Like Loughborough, the University of Sheffield was also awarded University of the year in 2011 by the Sunday Times, being credited on the excellence of their teaching and student satisfaction.

2. University of Oxford

The other half of the famous Oxbridge is the University of Oxford. Achieving a score of 84.2 sees Oxford come up just short of the top spot.  It excelled in areas of education, achieving the highest scores amongst the top five for quality of staff and tuition in small groups; it did however score very poorly in the quality of their student union. With the University of Cambridge, Oxford is known globally as a centre for educational achievement, with a long history of achievement.

1. University of East Anglia

The winner of The Times student satisfaction survey is the University of East Anglia. It had an overall score of 84.8 which saw it beat Oxford and sit at the top of the table. It received excellent grades across the board of categories, with quality of the library and library working hours and the environment of the campus earning East Anglia its highest scores. The University saw a high rise in rankings from the previous year, placing 6^th in the preceding survey.

Top 7 Educated Countries on Earth

With there being a huge focus on education budget cuts these days, we thought it’d be interesting see which countries lead the line when it comes to education. Do the top countries also do well when it comes to the economy? Do the governments that invest the most also produce the best-educated citizens? We think you’ll be surprised by some of the entrants on this list.

Norway

Despite being the 7^th most educated country, Norway still has the 2^nd highest GDP per capita in the world. Norwegians earn a whopping $56,617 per annum, and we’re sure that education plays a role in this as well.

South Korea

Korea comes in at 6^th in this list, though we expect a rapid rise in coming years. Graduate percentages have increased by 5.3% in the last decade, reflecting an increase in the focus on education. The GDP per capita is relatively low at $29,101, though this figure will undoubtedly shoot up in the future.

New Zealand

Coming in at a very respectable 5^th place, New Zealand has a growing population that is increasingly turning to tertiary education. 90% of Kiwis make it out of high school, with 40% going on to further study. It’s not an incredibly wealthy country, with GDP per capita hovering around $30,000.

United States

The economic situation in the United States is certainly reflected in the state of its education. With a growth of population of 8.68% since 2000, there is only a 1.4% comparable growth in people going to college. Amongst OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, the United comes bottom in this regard.

In terms of GDP per capita, the USA fits neatly in 4^th place. That adds to the argument that education has something to do with wealth attained later in life.

Japan

Unsurprisingly, Japan comes quite high on this list as well. 44% of the country’s adult population has had postsecondary school education, which is a very respectable number indeed. In addition, 95% of its population graduates from High School.

Israel

Despite coming in second and having 45% of its adult population with some form of degree or post-high school certificate of some sort, Israel is actually rapidly declining when it comes to education. The government is cutting funds, with only 78% of what is spent on education being from public funds. The rest is completely funded by private money. Nevertheless, Israel is still a very solid performer despite these cuts.

Canada

We suspect that the Canadians will be very chuffed to come above the United States, with a stellar 50% of its population going on to study after finishing high school. However, the GDP per capita does not align with the top spot in terms of education, with the average coming in at just under 40’000. This puts the Canadians at the 10^th spot. This is quite respectable nonetheless.

We think these figures make for some very interesting reading, with education clearly playing a major role in a country’s ability to maximize GDP. Considering the increasing cuts we’re seeing across the board, the future looks a little bleak.

Tips for settling in when studying abroad

It can be tough moving to a new country on your own, leaving behind your home and getting used to how things work somewhere else. You want to make sure you are prepared so that you get the most out of this incredible experience. Everybody faces the same problems, so don’t worry and follow our useful tip to help you get settled.

Be organised

Prepare for your trip and be organised by making copies of any important documents you will be taking with you, such as your passport. It’s a good idea to also bring along with you copies of your passport pictures as you will likely be needing some for university and things like travel cards.

Find a place to live

The first thing you want to do is make sure to arrange student accommodation. I would recommend staying in university accommodation, such as halls of residence, as this will allow you to meet plenty of new people. If there is no university accommodation available, then the best option might be to arrange temporary accommodation for when you arrive and then secure something more long term. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the area a bit better and find something that suits you best.

Be social

Don’t be afraid to go out there and meet people. Try and attend any social events organised by the university. This can range from nights out, to student fairs and meetings. You want to take advantage of your experience abroad by immersing yourself in the culture and get to know more people. You won’t be the only new student there, so don’t be shy and just make conversation. Other students and locals will be able to give you good advice on settling in. It’s the best way to get tips on accommodation, travel, best places to visit, saving money and more.

Get to know your surroundings

As I mentioned previously, the best way to do this is by talking to other people. Find out what the best way is to get around; bus, subway, train, etc. From there find out if there are any student discounts or passes you can get for travel. You want to be smart about how you spend your money so don’t miss out on any good deals. Explore the area to find your nearest supermarket, best restaurants or cheapest bars. Be adventurous and never be afraid to ask questions.

Be smart with your money

Try and make a budget for how much to spend each week or month. You will likely spend more when you first arrive, while you get settled in and get all your basic necessities, so make allowances for that. If you can, get in contact with a current student before you go to get an idea of living expenses. This will be a huge help in planning out your budget. Many shops and restaurants offer student deals or discounts, so always take your student card and ask. If you are feeling like you are overspending, try to see where you can cut costs or look for a job. Getting a job is a great way to meet new people and improve your language skills.

We hope these tips are helpful when getting settled in abroad. Just remember, going abroad might be a scary thought, but don’t let your fear get in the way of having an incredible experience.