interview

The interview was, in a word, easy.

Pretty much the guy asked me to verify that I have, in fact, taught for 9 years and that I have a Master's Degree. He talked about the places I've traveled (Europe, China, Guatemala) and how I'd love being over there with easy, cheap access to Thailand, India, Egypt and other neat places.

After that, he pretty much told me the information from the pre-telephone interview packet I read a few times. He went over salary ($59,000/year- tax free) and the bonus (one month's salary at the end of each year) and the summer stipend so the teachers can come home or travel or whatever (round trip tickets are about $1,500) and that they pay for all housing and they make all travel arrangements once you get there and do everything to help you get set up.

I'd be teaching high school English in an all girl's school somewhere in the Abu Dhabi state to classes no larger than 30. What?!! He also said that there is a curriculum but then they trust the teachers to be professional and teach the students what they need to know and make good educational decisions. What?!!!

I realized that while I do really want a new job. And I could really use a change of scenery, I LOVE the feeling of being respected in my chosen career and being treated like I know how to do my job. I am so respected that this state of the United Arab Emerits would pay me (through salary or other benefits) over $200,000 in two years because I am a teacher. How awesome is that?!

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So, when the people from Abu Dhabi let the recruiting agency know when they'll be in the states, I am invited to go to LA for an hour's interview for a job in the UAE!

To take or not to take? That answer will come. But for now, I'm excited that just based on my qualifications, I could get a really, really amazing experience in the career I love!