Teaching abroad can be an amazing opportunity. While some experiences of teaching abroad are universal, others are completely unique to the Middle East. If you're interested in learning more about how you can teach in the Middle East, consider these specific benefits.
Experience A New Culture By Going To Teach In The Middle East
Learning about how others live is an experience in itself. There is new food, new currency, a new language, new religious customs and more. Going to teach in the Middle East can be an amazing experience but before you go, you'll want to make yourself comfortable with some of the most common cultural differences.
For instance, using your left hand in the United Arab Emirates is considered offensive and unclean so you'll want to eat, gesture and shake hands with your right hand. Shoes are typically removed before entering someone's home and the thumbs up sign can be considered inappropriate. Those who follow the Muslim religion do not permit pork, products made from pigs and alcohol.
Many men walk hand in hand (this is considered a sign of friendship) and greet each other by giving kisses on each cheek. Men will shake hands with other men, but some men will not shake hands with women so it's best for a woman to wait for a man to offer his hand first. Attire should be conservative and both men and women should be covered. Local customs dictate that women wear longer skirts and cover their shoulders, but it's possible to find other non-natives who don't follow local customs. It's considered respectful -- however, it's not always necessary to wear native clothing as long as you're dressed modestly.
The Opportunity To Travel To Other Countries
If you decide to teach in the Middle East, you'll have the chance to travel to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and others. This experience is one that not many other people get to have and you'll be able to see sights like the pyramids at Giza, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the lost city of Petra and more.
It's important to remember that many of these countries are predominantly Muslim and care should be taken if you're interested in traveling to Israel. Security in Israel is tight so expect to be questioned about your motives. Don't take this personally and answer their questions truthfully and professionally and you won't have an issue.
Experience Boosts Your Resume
Whether you're interested in teaching as a career or just want to teach in the Middle East as a short-term job, the experience can add a definite plus to your resume. If you can teach in the Middle East with people who don't speak your language in a region that's known for conflict, you can likely handle any problem or issue that comes your way later in your career.
Teaching in this region comes with a number of rewards, both tangible and intangible. If you're interested in experiencing a vastly different culture, traveling the region and adding valuable experience to your resume, consider doing a little research to see if this is right for you.
Chris Harmen writes for the American International Development Council, an organization that helps westerners teach in the Middle East. AIDC connects teachers who want to go to Abu Dhabi to teach with jobs.
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