Frequently asked Questions

The long and the short of it

Dynamic Personnel has extensive experience of their industry and trade. Find the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers the team encounters here.

Is there a fee to register?

No, teachers are never asked for a fee or commission. As part of Dynamic Personnel’s registration process, documentation such as a police check and attestation of qualifications (in some cases) is required.

 Is there an obligation to use Dynamic Personnel’s services if I register?

No, there is no obligation. However, teachers who apply directly to schools are asked to keep Dynamic Personnel informed of their applications so that efforts are not duplicated. Please note: If a teacher has applied directly to a school not using Dynamic Personnel’s services, the agency cannot vouch for them. 

How safe is my information?

Very safe! Dynamic Personnel will never share your information with anyone apart from hiring schools without your explicit permission. The team takes the protection of your data very seriously. 

How do I register?

Click here to register now!

 What is a transcript?

In some countries the only document provided to graduates is a degree or certificate. Some applications require further detailed documentation, which is called a transcript. A university transcript is an official copy of a student’s academic record. Every course and experience for which you have earned academic credit is listed. 

To obtain one, you should contact your university and ask for student services, the registrar or bursar. Start by checking if you can request the transcript from the institution’s website. Transcripts can be provided free, or sometimes a small fee is charged. Please request transcripts at the earliest possible stage – it can take several weeks to get hold of them. Not having a transcript has held up many applications and offers!

 Banking in the UAE

 When and how will I get paid?

Teachers working in the Middle East are paid by direct deposit at the end of each month. Everyone will be responsible for opening a bank account. Salaries will be deposited in the local currency. Schools normally assist with this.

 Is it difficult to open a bank account in the Middle East?

No, it’s quite simple once teachers have the proper paperwork. From there, one visit to the bank is usually all that is needed to open an account.

 Can I send money home?

Yes, there are many institutions that teachers can use to send money home safely and efficiently.

 Is the Middle East a cash society?

Yes and no. While teachers can use foreign credit cards in most places, paying with cash in the Middle east is common and convenient. Teachers are encouraged to carry cash with them at all times. 

Is it easy to access the internet in the Middle East?

Yes. Teachers will be responsible for organising the set-up themselves, but schools often assist with this.

 Which expenses will I have in the Middle East?

Daily expenses vary depending on lifestyle. You should typically plan for spending money on food, utilities, clothes and entertainment. 

Marriage and family

 Are common law marriages recognised in the Middle East?

Teachers planning to come to the UAE with a partner will need to be married and the marriage certificate will need to be authenticated by the appropriate offices.

Women in the Middle East 

Is it safe for single women to travel to the Middle East?

The Middle East is a safe region and single women should have no problems. Common sense safety procedures should however always be practised and women are not encouraged to walk alone at night or to attend gatherings alone with groups unknown to them. 

Do women in the Middle East need to wear head scarves?

In most places women will not be forced to wear head scarves, except Saudi Arabia.

 What is the dress code in schools?

All teachers should dress professionally while at work. Business casual wear is usually required. Jeans, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted at work. In private life, teachers are free to wear what they like, but it is recommended that you respect the Muslim customs. 

Which certificates are required before I apply?

Each position has its own specific job requirements. The basic requirements are a bachelor’s degree, PGCE, Diploma in Education and Masters in Education. 

Once I have submitted my application, am I guaranteed an interview?

Only eligible and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. 

How long do interviews last?

Each interview will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. 

Can I choose which city I will depart from?

In general, if it does not significantly increase the cost of the ticket, you can choose the city of departure.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes, your school will arrange for one of their representatives to meet you at the airport. 

What is an average annual salary for teaching abroad?

Salaries vary from school to school and country to country. It is important to remember that although some countries have a much higher average salary than others, the cost of living tends to be much higher as well. When you calculate how much money you will be able to save, make sure that you take the cost of living into account.

 Which benefits will I receive?

Much like the salaries, benefits vary depending on the country and the school. Some of the benefits that have been provided include:

•             Paid flights

•             Paid national holidays

•             Paid furnished accommodation

•             Health benefits

•             Transport

 If the school offers housing, will I be sharing with other teachers?

Accommodation perks differ from school to school. Where shared accommodation is provided, it will be with other foreign teachers. In this case, you will have your own room, but will share common areas such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom and laundry facilities. 

Do I need to purchase health insurance before I leave?

When travelling and living overseas, it is always safer to have a private health insurance plan. Dynamic Personnel suggests that you purchase a health insurance plan that will cover you during your entire stay. In most countries, health benefits are included in your contract, but you are still advised to obtain a private plan. 

Am I required to do a general health check before I leave?

No, but Dynamic Personnel strongly suggests that you do a general health check-up before you go abroad. Medical checks will be done upon your arrival in the Middle East. Bahrain is the only country at present who will require you to do a health check before visa applications.

How do I apply for a work visa?

If you successfully obtain a teaching position with one of Dynamic Personnel’s partner schools, the agency will advise and assist you throughout the visa application process. Generally the schools take care of the visa and send this to teachers prior to their departure. 

Who will pay for my work visa?

The schools generally pay for this.

 
Straight facts

The perception	The real deal
You can earn your current salary abroad.	Salaries vary widely, based on cost of living, benefits provided and tax rates. You will normally be paid in the local currency and you will be assisted in setting up a local bank account. Read the money matters page for more information.
You have to speak the language of the host country.	International schools teach most or all subjects in English. To be able to communicate in the local language is always beneficial, but not required in a typical international school.
TEFL certificates are essential or sufficient to get a job at an international school.	Most international schools do not require TEFL certificates. You will encounter students for whom English is not the first language, so TEFL skills could be helpful, but it’s usually not the subject you will be teaching.
You cannot drink alcohol in a ‘dry’ country.	There are a number of ‘dry’ countries where alcohol is not legally sold. In many of them it is not illegal to possess alcohol that you buy in a nearby country or to brew your own.
Women cannot drive in the Middle East and must cover their hair.	Women are allowed to drive and can move around without restriction in all countries, except Saudi Arabia. While you may be asked to conform to a dress code (no bare shoulders or knees for women or ponytails for men) at the school, these restrictions do not apply in your private life. You are however advised to dress in a culturally sensitive way to avoid offence.
Holidays will be the same as at home.	Holidays and term dates are usually quite different to your home country and vary by school.
The work week will be the same as at home.	Weekends vary around the world. In Oman the weekend is Thursday and Friday, whereas in the UAE it’s Friday and Saturday. In Brunei the weekend is a split between Friday and Sunday! The work days are however the same for everyone – after a short while you won’t even notice the difference.
You will have the same resources in your new school as at home.	Because international schools’ resources must be imported, certain items may be more difficult to obtain. Talk to your new school about what you should take along and rely on your experienced new colleagues to find alternatives.
You have to eat the local food and won’t be able to find Western items.	Although it may be cheaper to eat local food, you will find a wide variety of Western shops in most countries with international schools.