Too Much Information

So I've told you all about the many Facebook groups I've joined.  These groups can be very helpful, with newbies and veterans alike, sharing their stories of excitements and disappointments.  I often enjoy going on these pages, and they're one of the reasons why I log onto Facebook everyday.  But then there are days when too much information is shared and it leaves one doubtful that they may not make to the UAE.

So today, just like everyday I browsed the groups to read the new posts.  When I check the posts, I'm always looking and hoping that someone is headed to my school.  I've met one person so far and we've been a great support to each other.  Anyway, there was one post that stood out and had several people, including myself, wondering if we would be granted visas.  A young lady shared her story of applying to schools in Abu Dhabi and how she and her husband were turned down because they both have a masters degree in education.  I know you're probably wondering why this is an issue.  Apparently there's a new law and teachers must have a bachelors in education in order to teach in the UAE.  Unlike the U.S., a masters degree in education is not enough.  I'm not sure how true this is but it caused quite a stir.  Like many others in the group, my bachelors degree is not in education, so it left me a little shaken.  I did read somewhere that secondary teachers must hold a bachelors degree in the subject they want to teach, so maybe this "new rule" is only for those teachers.  

Whatever the case may be, I've decided that I'm not going to worry about it or lose sleep. I don't think I've come this far in the game to be turned around now.  Sometimes when we're doing things out of the norm, I think we subconsciously look for things to go wrong.  You all know how much I've prayed and fasted on this opportunity, so I believe this news is just a distraction.  I'm going to keep pushing forward and staying positive.  

Until Next Time...  

The Seven Emirates of United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Since the name of my blog is My Journey to UAE, it's only right if I share with you videos of this marvelous place.  Most people have never even heard of UAE or more specifically Abu Dhabi, I only learned of it in the summer of 2015.  Dubai is also recent to me, I learned about it maybe 5 years ago and it has been on my bucket list ever since.

And the Wait Continues...

On Monday, there was much excitement going on with one of my Facebook Groups I'm a member of.  Some people received word that their visa applications were submitted and now on to processing, others spoke about packing, and duffle bags vs. suit cases, and etc.  Of course reading the posts left me excited and even more impatient.  I made a promise that I wouldn't contact the HR Department of my school until three weeks after submitting my documents.  Well thanks to FB, I didn't even make it to two weeks (a day short).  On Tuesday morning, I emailed HR just to get a an update.  Long story short, my paper work is being processed and the next update won't be until after the end of the current term which is slated to end on June 23rd.  Towards the end of the term, they will contact me so that they can begin finalizing booking my flight.  If all goes well I'll be heading out around August 17th!  As stated before, the school is brand new and is currently still undergoing construction.  I'm hoping and praying that the school will be finished in time so that staff and students can begin the school year. 

I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself from now until then.  I would like to hear some concrete news, I feel as though I can't move forward until I have that confirmation.  But in the meantime, I guess I should began making my "To Do" List.  I saw a cute luggage set from Heys but now I'm not sure if I should go with suitcases or duffle bags...       


Until Next Time..

Waiting Game Part 2

As of Monday, March 28th all of my required documents have arrived safely in UAE!  With the arrival of these documents, a new waiting game begins.  Although, I received an offer and contract to work in Abu Dhabi, the final say so is up to the Ministry of Labour.  They will determine if I will be granted a resident visa and work permit.  Apparently there is a new law in UAE that is delaying work permits.  There are many people who were hired to begin working in January but they are still in their countries.  I'm hoping that this part of the process will be as smooth as the other steps I've taken thus far.  As you can imagine, I can hardly concentrate on anything else but Abu Dhabi.  Hopefully I'll hear good news soon and I can begin making plans for my move across the world.

Before I go, I have to let you know that I've made connections with a young lady whose also going to be working at my school, as well teaching the same grade.  We've talked quite a bit and it feels good talking with someone whose going through the same process.  I'm glad I'll know someone before I even arrive in UAE.  I'm looking forward to making more connections and relationships along the way.  

Until Next Time...

Getting Things in Order

Hey All! 

Just wanted to give a quick update!  I received my authenticated forms on Thursday.  Like others suggested, I used ProEx to get the job done.  The entire process took approximately 15 days to get the forms authenticated and delivered and cost about $400. Had I done this myself I could have saved myself a ton of money.  However, I have a deadline to get all of my paperwork in, which is coming up very soon.  Not only did I have to spend money on authentication, I also had to get an updated FBI clearance which resulted in shelling out an additional $129.  Even though I have a little less money in my account due to those payments, the experience that awaits me in Abu Dhabi more than pays for it.  I have one more letter to get from my school then I will gladly mail my documents to UAE so that I can begin the process of obtaining my resident Visa and work permit.  I hope to have an update soon!

Until next time...

Finally!!!!

As I lay in bed this morning, an alert came across my phone.  I knew right away that it wasn't an email message because of the distinct tone, but an alert from one of the many Facebook groups that I'm a member of.  I clicked on the Facebook message to see what was going on and I noticed that I indeed received two email messages.  At first I wasn't going to check my email because I promised myself that I would stopping stalking my account every 30 minutes.  But curiosity caught the best of me and I clicked on my Gmail icon and there it was, the email that I was waiting for!  The email contained an offer letter along with a contract and several other documents!  The wait is finally over!!!  God willing I will be on a plane to UAE in August to teach at a brand new school in Abu Dhabi!  I'm so excited and very much nervous but I'm ready for the adventure!  I still have one more step (authentication) before everything becomes official.  But it looks like this Jersey girl is on her way to residing in the UAE for the next two years.  

This is just the beginning, so make sure you keep following!  Don't be shy, leave a comment, or even join the site!

Until next time!

The Waiting Game

Exactly one week ago today, I had my first Skype interview for a teaching position in Abu Dhabi.  Since then, I've continuously checked my email for updates.  The first email I received came two days after my interview.  When I saw that I received an email, I didn't know what to think.  I almost didn't want to read it because I didn't want to be disappointed.  Well, I'm glad I did read it because it detailed what the next few steps would be.  The email requested that I send the following information:

• Colored Passport Copy
• Copy of attested degree
• Copy of transcripts of records
• Point of hire (nearest International Airport)
• Marital Status (no. of children and age – if applicable)

All but one of the requested items I had on hand, and was able to send them right away. Because I read so many blogs, I knew which direction to take when it came down to authentication - ProEx!  I immediately contacted ProEx and requested a quote for their services.  The quote was pricey but I needed these documents right away.  I sent the documents (college degrees) off on Tuesday and they were received the following day.  I was told the turn around would be about 14 days.  I informed my potential employer of the matter, so that they know the requested information will soon come.  The second email came a few hours later requesting two professional references.  Again, I responded right away and sent the required information.  So, here I sit anxiously awaiting to hear some news.  It'll probably be another two weeks before I hear anything.  In the meantime, I'll continue to think positive, pray, and read more on Abu Dhabi.

Until Next time!