Now, before she could arrive in the UAE, Naadirah had to go through the recruitment process with Teachanywhere first. What was made clear is that Naadirah really appreciated the efforts and contributions of the Teachanywhere team in helping her make the step out to the UAE in the first place: "I felt informed and at ease throughout every part of the process” she says. 

As is often the case during a teacher's overseas journey, Naadirah met other teachers who had landed jobs through other recruitment agencies when she arrived in Abu Dhabi. She was keen to mention to her colleagues that she was “impressed by everything that Teachanywhere did for me” in helping her into the role. In particular as she went into more detail about the assistance offered by our team, she says her peers were impressed by “the frequent email updates, quick responses, and the webinars” that she received from Teachanywhere as some of the teachers she met "did not get that” themselves.

Based on this, we trust that the transparency and consistent communication offered by Teachanywhere during the recruitment process set the stage for a confident start to Naadirah's journey teaching abroad.

Before she would find out which school in Abu Dhabi she was going to teach in, Naadirah had to finish some administrative tasks which included setting up a new bank account and having medical check ups. Once that was completed she could start to look forward to the more enjoyable aspects of the transition such as finding a place to call home and discovering where she would be working. 

As she says herself about that first stage of the process "This week has been a lot. It’s been overwhelming to say the least." But after a few days that would give way to excitement once she knew which school she was to be based at. Naaidrah discovered that she would be placed on Dalma Island along with another teacher from the group. Dalma Island, nestled in the tranquil waters off the Abu Dhabi coast, offers teachers a unique opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in a close-knit community, surrounded by pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and the serenity of a picturesque island lifestyle, quite the sea change from what she was used to!

As Naadirah transitioned from the initial days in bustling Abu Dhabi to the serene and remote Dalma Island, the contrast in experiences became clear. While the island lacked the amenities of malls and theatres, its charm lay in evening strolls, breathtaking beach sunsets, and the simple pleasure of fishing. The peaceful ambiance became a welcome change from the busyness of city life, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness that teaching in the UAE offers.

Settling into her role at the school on Dalma Island, Naadirah found herself in an excellent educational environment. The top-notch facilities and supportive staff made the adjustment smoother, even though the workload and administrative aspects were more substantial than what she was accustomed to in South Africa. Despite the differences, she emphasised that everything eventually fell into place, showcasing the adaptability and resilience necessary for teaching in a new country.

Naadirah's experience in the UAE is a testament to the transformative potential of teaching abroad. The diverse challenges and triumphs she encountered underscore the rewarding nature of this career shift, offering educators a chance to grow both personally and professionally. Whether viewed as a change of career, a side quest in one's professional journey, or simply a rejuvenating break, Naadirah's journey exemplifies the fulfilment that comes with embracing the adventure of teaching abroad.