What Qualifications Do I Need to Teach English in Dubai?

By Michael Ferguson

If you are a native English speaker and looking to teach English in Dubai, you may be wondering what qualifications are required for this profession. The UAE has strict regulations when it comes to hiring teachers, and it is important that you have the right qualifications before applying for a teaching job in Dubai. In this article, we will discuss the qualifications required to teach English in Dubai.

Bachelor’s Degree

To teach English in Dubai, you must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. This degree can be in any subject, but it is preferable if it is related to the subject you plan to teach. If you have a Bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, it will make your application more competitive.

Teaching Experience

To teach English in Dubai, you must have at least two years of teaching experience. This experience can be in any subject, but it is preferable if it is related to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). If you do not have two years of teaching experience but have a TEFL certificate or a Master’s degree in Education, this requirement may be waived.

Teaching Certification

To teach English in Dubai, you must hold a valid teaching certification from your home country. This certification should be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. If your certification is not recognized by the UAE government, you may still be able to apply for a teaching job in some private schools.

Language Proficiency

As an English teacher in Dubai, you must have excellent language proficiency skills. You should be able to speak and write fluently without any grammatical errors. Most schools require teachers to take an English proficiency test before hiring them.

Visa Requirements

To work as an English teacher in Dubai, you must obtain a work visa sponsored by your employer. Your employer will provide you with the necessary documents to apply for a work visa. You will also need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a residence permit.

Conclusion

To summarize, to teach English in Dubai, you must have a Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of teaching experience, a teaching certification recognized by the UAE government, excellent language proficiency skills and obtain a work visa sponsored by your employer. If you meet these qualifications, you can start applying for teaching jobs in Dubai. It is important to note that the requirements may vary from school to school and it is always advisable to check with the respective schools before applying.