Teaching abroad had always been a dream of mine, and when the opportunity to move to Abu Dhabi came, I knew I had to take it. If you're a South African teacher considering making the move to the Middle East, let me share my story—the perks, challenges, and daily life that make this experience truly unforgettable.
The Perks of Teaching in the Middle East
Financial freedom is definitely possible here, as long as you manage your money wisely and have clear goals. For me, I came to save, explore, and experience new adventures.
One of the biggest advantages of teaching in the UAE is the amazing benefits that come with it. Depending on the school, these may include:
Tax-free salary
Visa sponsorship
Annual flights (varies per school)
Furnished accommodation (I live in a one-bedroom apartment with an open-plan kitchen, living area, and en-suite bathroom)
Daily transportation to and from school via a travel bus
Life in Abu Dhabi is a mix of modern luxury and deep cultural traditions. There is always something new to experience, from iconic landmarks to diverse cuisines.
A Day in My Classroom
I've been in education since 2011, and I thought I knew everything—but this journey has been a real eye-opener! The UAE’s education system is far more advanced than what I was used to in South Africa. Here, the focus is on student-centered learning, with teachers acting as guides rather than lecturers.
Technology plays a massive role in the classroom, and I had to quickly learn new platforms like:
HMH, MAP, Epic, Canva, and Google Classroom
It was overwhelming at first, but once I got the hang of it, I saw how these tools made lessons more interactive and engaging.
My Morning Commute & Daily Routine
Each morning, the bus picks me up and drops me off at school. If I don’t feel like taking the bus, I can opt for a taxi, though that adds to my expenses.
Traffic here? Oh my goodness! The driving styles are crazy, but after a few months, you get used to it.
Once I arrive at school, I follow my daily routine:
Switch on the classroom TV and computer
Set up all the necessary digital lesson presentations
Update the displayed timetable
Play the national anthem before school starts (everyone stands, and learners may sing along)
I teach English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Moral Education. However, I don’t teach all the time—there are free periods when learners attend Arabic, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies, French, PE, or Computer classes.
Fridays are the best because we only have four periods and one break!
Exploring the UAE
One of the best things about teaching here is that I get to work and travel! If you plan wisely, you can visit breathtaking places without spending a fortune. Many attractions offer 50% off entry for teachers or even "buy one, get two free" ticket deals.
Living as a Single Christian Woman in the UAE
Safety is one of the biggest perks of living in Abu Dhabi. I can go for evening walks alone without worrying. Men don’t approach or harass you unless you initiate contact.
Everyday life is also incredibly convenient. There’s a small Hyperana shop downstairs that treats me like royalty. They unpack my groceries, bag them, and even deliver them to my apartment free of charge. I can WhatsApp them my order, and they bring it up with a card machine for payment—how amazing is that?
Local women are polite and will greet you with a nod, while local men keep their distance. Expat communities, however, are super friendly, and I’ve made so many connections here!
The dress code is modest—less exposure is more respectful, but different regions (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia) have different expectations.
Budgeting for My First Month
Before my first paycheck, I had to be very strategic with my spending. The UAE’s currency is about five times stronger than the South African Rand, so proper budgeting is a must!
Here are some essential expenses I had to cover:
WiFi setup
Attesting my documents
Phone data & SIM card (after my tourist SIM expired)
Food & drinking water
Taxi fares
Cooling/Aircon bills (from my salary)
Water & electricity bills (from my salary)
The Emotional & Mental Adjustment of teaching in the Middle East
Moving abroad is a huge step, and the first few months can be tough. I had to adjust to the heat, the humidity, and being far from home. I’ve missed out on birthdays, weddings, and simple Sunday braais.
And speaking of braais—I crave South African food like crazy! Bacon, boerewors, and the unbeatable taste of home. But despite the occasional homesickness, this experience is absolutely worth it.
The best part? There are so many South Africans here! If you hear someone laughing in Afrikaans, you know—you just know. I’ve made lifelong friends, joined WhatsApp groups, and found a community that feels like family.
Why I Recommend a South African Recruitment Agency
One of the best decisions I made was using a South African recruitment agency. They placed me with other South African teachers, making it easier to adjust. From document preparation to placement, they supported me every step of the way.
If you're thinking about teaching in the UAE, I highly recommend going through a trusted agency—it makes the process much smoother!
Life in the UAE: Technology, Shopping & Laws
Life here is super high-tech. Almost everything is done through apps, from shopping to booking services.
One of my favorite experiences is Brunch culture—you pay a set amount and enjoy unlimited food and drinks for four hours! There are also amazing teacher discounts at restaurants.
The laws here are strict but create a safe and well-organized environment. Begging is illegal, and the country is covered in cameras, ensuring safety at all times. The police are incredibly efficient—I’ve seen them respond to an accident in under five minutes!
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
Without a doubt—YES! Teaching in the UAE has been challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the hardships.
If you’re a South African teacher thinking about making the move, take the leap! Yes, it’s tough at times, but the experiences, financial stability, and career growth make it one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you get the opportunity—TAKE IT! It’s an investment in your future, and the rewards are truly life-changing.
Contact SA-Recruitment today
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