Primary Ponderings in Abu Dhabi
That is what my site will be titled next year. A couple of years ago I started looking into
teaching internationally. It’s something
I have always wanted to do but haven’t.
There was always something ‘guilting’ me to stay put. With both my daughters in their teens, the
oldest in college and the youngest with a sense of adventure, I decided it was
time. From browsing the internet, the
agency that stood out to me was Teach Away.
Of course, I wanted a job in Italy, Switzerland, or Australia. These were not to be found. I applied on line and the next day received a
call for a phone interview. I was
accepted for a position in Abu Dhabi! Where
is that? I had never heard of it! They wanted me to go right away. I couldn’t go right away --- I had a job,
house, commitments. I began preparing my
parents (I’m an only child) and children that I would eventually be doing
this. I decided when my youngest
completed grade 12, would be a good time.
That is spring 2015. I told my
rep at Teach Away this and my file was put on hold.
Over the past two years we have researched Abu dhabi, Teach Away, and
many teacher blogs that are teaching there now.
The excitement grew.
This past fall, I reawakened my file.
I had to do another phone interview for everything to be brought
up-to-date. On November 22nd
I went to the Harbour Castle in Toronto for an in-person interview.
The first step was to check in with all of my paper work – copies of
passport, degrees, criminal check, reference letters, OCT certificates, resume,
passport photos, medical form.
Next step was a small group session first. We watched via satellite, as two women filled
us in on some of the ADEC policies, contract info, what to do if you don’t like
it, and a few cultural differences. They
were both very friendly and wearing what business women in Canada might wear.
Then we went back to a waiting room to wait for our individual
interviews. I had expected the room to
be filled with young new teachers. This
was not the case at all – there was 1 that I would say was under 30. The rest were middle-aged. I talked to a man beside me that told me he was
from Nova Scotia and had been teaching internationally for some time. He takes a two year contract, then comes back
for a year – doesn’t work – visits family and friends, then travels to visit
friends he has met from around the world.
Then he repeats it. Sounds good
to me! My hope is that this will lead me
to connections to teach in other countries.
I was first up for the IPI. What
a difference experience! I was led in to
a big conference room with an open laptop sitting on a table. From a distance, I peered around to see who
would be interviewing me. There was a
woman, maybe in her 50’s, and a man, 30ish.
I sat down and put on the headphones.
I have never skyped or anything before, so this was really
different. The woman was quite strict
with her questions and her reactions to my responses. She had me a bit nervous as she seemed to
dismiss everything I said. The man was
more casual. [Good cop, bad cop? I don’t know.] When I left, I really wasn’t sure how I
did. The rep’s told me I would hear in
about 6 weeks. Ok, I am ok with it
either way. I have a job I love, at a
school I love!
On Monday, Nov. 24, after school, I got an email with a Letter of
Offer! The interview was only Saturday! That was awesome. I was so excited – a few tears escaped! Now the process of authenticating all my
documents has begun. I cannot find my
diploma for my teaching degree. It was too
long ago! I had to contact the college
and pay, and am now waiting for a new one.
My lawyer’s secretary said it will be about $200 for authentication.
Happy New Year!
My goals for 2015:
1. Sell my house
2. Move to another
country
3. Invest some
money
4. Contribute $12000
to my RRSP
5. Visit 4
countries
6. Ride a camel
7. Swim in the
Persian Gulf
8. Get a custom
made abaya
9. Shine God’s
light more
10. Spend more
time with God
What are your goals?
