A South African teacher in Abu Dhabi: what life looks like right now
- SA-Recruitment
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Last week, we shared Renee’s story. A ten-year journey that has taken her across multiple countries and is now continuing in Oman.
This week, we wanted to share a slightly different perspective.
Not a long-term journey, but what the experience looks like in the first year.
Melisca is a South African teacher we placed in Abu Dhabi in September 2025. She is now approaching the end of her first academic year, and her experience reflects something we are seeing consistently across many of our teachers in the UAE.
Settling in quicker than expected
One of the first things Melisca shared with Nicole, SA-Recruitment’s Senior Middle East Consultant, was how quickly she adapted.
Like many teachers heading overseas for the first time, she expected the transition to take time.
A new country, a new school, a new system.
But in her case, that adjustment happened far faster than she anticipated.
Her school environment felt structured and supportive, and the day-to-day rhythm of teaching quickly became familiar.
This is something we hear often from South African teachers moving into well-established international schools in Abu Dhabi. Once they are in the classroom, things tend to fall into place quite naturally.
Trusting the process
One of the realities of international recruitment is that teachers place a great deal of trust in the process.
They are making big decisions about their careers and lives, often working closely with someone like Nicole, SA-Recruitment’s Senior Middle East Consultant, whom they have not met in person.
Melisca shared with us that from the very beginning, she felt comfortable and confident in the guidance she was receiving, which made that decision much easier.
Now, having gone through the full journey and settled into her role, she is incredibly grateful that she trusted the process.
She also spoke about how much she appreciated the continued support after arrival, particularly the check-ins to make sure she was settling in well.
For us, that follow-up is just as important as the placement itself.
What life looks like for a South African teacher in Abu Dhabi right now
With current events in the Middle East, it is completely understandable that teachers considering the region are asking what day-to-day life actually looks like on the ground.
Melisca’s experience gives a very clear picture.
Schools have continued operating throughout, with some periods of online teaching where needed, but learning has remained consistent and structured.
Now, as schools return from Spring break, there is a real sense of anticipation around being back in the classroom and resuming fully in-person teaching.
Outside of school, life has continued.
Melisca shared that she and her colleagues are still getting out, socialising and enjoying their time in Abu Dhabi. She has built strong friendships and feels settled in her environment.
Importantly, she said she feels safe.
There is a strong sense that, for those living and working in Abu Dhabi, daily life has remained steady and well supported.
Looking ahead
Melisca is now nearing the end of her first academic year.
She is looking forward to continuing to grow in her role and to what the next year may bring.
What her story highlights is something we see time and time again.
The uncertainty tends to sit before the move.
Once teachers arrive, settle in and find their rhythm, things often feel far more familiar and manageable than expected.
A current snapshot for South African teachers
While Renee’s story last week showed what an international teaching career can look like over ten years, Melisca’s experience gives a snapshot of what it looks like right now.
For South African teachers currently considering Abu Dhabi, her experience reflects what many of our teachers are telling us.
Schools are continuing. Teachers are settled. Life is moving forward.
And for those open to the opportunity, it can be the start of something very rewarding.
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