Teaching English in the United Arab Emirates

I've moved

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:18:00 +0000

Hi all, thanks for dropping by. To make things easier, I've decided to merge some of my blogs, which, including this one, can now be found at ELT World. I've been getting off my backsides and writing recently, so come over to the new URL and leave lots of lovely comments.

Get the Latest UAE TEFL News

david@eltworld.net (David) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:44:00 +0000

First off, thanks to all of you who visited this blog in 2008. I'm busier than ever over at eltworld.net setting up things, that's why it's been a bit quiet round here. The ELT World news blog has been up and running for almost a year now...

Please drop by and learn all the latest TEFL gossip from all round the world at the ELT World News blog, you'll be amazed what's going on in the wonderful world of English language teaching.

Free online TEFL journal issue 6

david@eltworld.net (David) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:58:00 +0000

The latest edition of the totally free online journal is now available for download. Here are the contents:

English teaching in Israel can be immensely rewarding
by Michelle Simmons

Facing financial crisis? Then move your teaching career abroad
by Kelly Blackwell

Things to consider before accepting a job
by Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa

Teaching in Japan is easier than ever
by Judy Wellsworth

English in Malta
by Thomas West

The advantages and disadvantages of online TEFL courses
by Ajay Shringi

Expat living in Thailand
by Alex Smith

Virtual Classrooms
by Rajesh Rastogi

Where should newbies go to begin their TEFL careers?
by members of the forum (newbie questions)

Exploring task based learning
by Sharon Turner

The American Concept of EFL and its Invisible Visions in the Middle East Region
by Amjad Owais

Click here to view the journal.

'Sex on beach' pair sentence appeal

david@eltworld.net (David) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:09:00 +0000

A British couple who had sex on a Dubai beach will find out if their appeal has been successful next week. Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and 34-year-old Vince Acors, of Bromley, south-east London, were sentenced to three months in jail and issued with deportation orders last month.

Hassan Matter, who is representing the pair, outlined their case at the Dubai Court of Appeal. Prosecutors, who are calling for the sentence to be increased, also made their argument. Mr Matter said a judge will make a decision on the appeal next Tuesday. Palmer and Acors, who appeared in court for the hearing, remain on bail in Dubai.

Mr Matter said they will return to court for next week's hearing, after which they could be taken into custody. Palmer and Acors were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after being seen having sex on Jumeirah Beach by a police officer. They had met earlier at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.

At last month's hearing, they were found guilty of having unmarried sex and public indecency. They were fined 1,000 dirhams (£155) after admitting being drunk in a public place.

Poor English skills blamed as students turned away

david@eltworld.net (David) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:29:00 +0000

A large number of students applying to UAE universities fail to meet English language proficiency requirements set down by the institutions. Zayed University (ZU) officials say about 80 per cent of applicants fail to meet its language requirements.

Read the full story...

An Acronym By Any Other Name

david@eltworld.net (David) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:46:00 +0000

An article by Brenda Townsend Hall

I don't know about you but I loathe acronyms. Yes, I know they have a convenience factor but they also seem to me to be potentially sinister, redolent of George Orwell's Newspeak. Our field has its fair share of them and woe betide anyone who uses one wrongly. Never, for example, say ESL or TESL when you mean ESOL or TESOL. Why? because you might unwittingly insult a learner by referring to ESL (English as a second language) when the learner might be a speaker of several languages with English some way down the pecking order: it is politically more correct to refer to English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). So important has this distinction become that the heavy hand of officialdom in the UK now requires people seeking British citizenship to demonstrate that they have at least ESOL Entry Level 3 from the national "skills for life" curriculum (strange distinction, after all we hardly need "skills for death"). Exam boards now dutifully provide ESOL qualifications that seem to have eclipsed the old EFL certificates, making English as a foreign language somehow less relevant.

So have EFL and TEFL lost status? Not exactly, but they imply the use of English in international situations, perhaps among non-native speakers. They still get a look in, but to teach English as a "foreign" language requires different emphases. For example, TESOL would require the teacher to concentrate on situations and contexts that the learners would meet in everyday life in an Anglophone country. TEFL, on the other hand, suggests an orientation towards travel and global situations. I don't dispute that these distinctions have their uses but the trouble is that you can see the potential for all sorts of new acronyms on the horizon. When we will start to teach EIL (English as an international language) or EIB (English for international business)?

I'd happily settle for good, old-fashioned ELT (English language teaching).

About the Author

Brenda Townsend Hall, a contributing editor to ESLemployment, is a writer in the fields of English for business, cross-cultural awareness and business communications. Interested in receiving TEFL job listings weekly for free? To learn more visit TEFL Jobs.

See Horizons Journal for more great articles like this.

The Top 5 Luxury Beach Resorts in Dubai

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:39:00 +0000

Knowledge shared by Rosella Colella

1) Mina A’ Salam

The Mina was the first Dubai beach hotel completed as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Built around 2 miles of Venetian-style waterways filled with abras that ferry guests around the Dubai beach resort, the Mina aims to marry Dubai’s modern-day opulence with its old-world architecture.

The sand-coloured buildings making up this Dubai beach hotel are striking on the outside and palatial inside. Each of the 292 sea-facing rooms are styled in keeping with the Arabian theme: heavy studded doors give way to Moorish arches hung with ornate lanterns, and the beds are piled high with exotic dark blue, red and gold fabrics.

But the real hook for this Dubai beach hotel are the large terraces which jut out towards the water, ideal for sitting and sipping a leisurely G ’n’ T as the sun goes down on your Dubai beach holiday. With walkways along the harbour, al fresco restaurant terraces and a souk full of lavish boutiques, Mina has a distinctly village feel to it – albeit a village full of those looking for luxury.

2) Le Royal Meridien

This Dubai beach hotel is situated on a pristine stretch of private beach with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. It is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the famous Jumeirah beach.

Roses are a big deal at the Royal Meridien. In the rooms of this Dubai beach hotel are finger bowls of water floating with petals to dip the digits; more rose residue scatters the bed and the bathroom has more blooms than a florist on 13 February. Such opulence is typical of Le Meridien’s flagship brand and the pools, gardens and great stretch of sand have been sculpted in a timelessly classic style.

Sexy European clients flitter around the upmarket all-beige coffee spaces and bars, and it is doubtful that the pool has seen a full swimsuit in its life. For more decadence, head to the Roman Spa. This hotel is perfect for an indulgently romantic Dubai beach holiday.

3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel which opened in 1997. This wave-shaped hotel complements the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands opposite in the sea. Beside the hotel is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a fantastic Dubai beach holiday destination, to which all guests in the hotel have unlimited access.

When completed in 1997, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel became the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Today, it is ranked lower than the 100th tallest building. Despite its lower rankings, the hotel remains a Dubai landmark.

4) Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

The Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is set on Jumeirah Beach, opposite Emirates Golf Club and Montgomery Golf Course. This Dubai beach hotel is a boutique-styled luxury beach resort. Dubai’s cultural and tourist venues like the Dubai Museum and Gold and Spice Souks are conveniently accessible from the hotel, excellent for Dubai beach holiday outings.

It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 2,800ft of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any of the other beach resorts in Dubai, and it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities.

The hotel is great for guests looking for a more active Dubai beach holiday. It features outdoor facilities for up to 5,000 guests, eight restaurants and bars, five outdoor pools and access to a range of sport activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and a glass-fronted gym that allows you to look out to sea while working out.

5) Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a giant-size beach resort in Dubai and, at 321 metres, formerly the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, has taken away its title since its opening in April 2008.

The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. This lavish Dubai beach hotel is an iconic structure designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.

The world's first (self-described) seven-star hotel, the Burj certainly goes to extremes - which are often ridiculous for most travellers - to please its über-wealthy Dubai beach holiday clientele. Still, set nearly 900 feet out in the Persian Gulf on a man-made island, this sail-shaped icon has come to signify Dubai's tourism ascent since it opened in 1999. The hotel contains more than 20,000 square feet of real gold leaf.

About the Author

Rosella Colella is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai beach holidays.

Lesson Plans

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:38:00 +0000

I've finally got the ELT World lesson plans blog functioning and there are a fair few teaching ideas for you now. Go and take a look.

Some recent posts:

- Reported speech

- 'Would rather' for preference

- Present perfect for experience

- Past simple regular verbs

Classic Articles: Was your Four-week TEFL Course Worth it?

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:32:00 +0000

In celebration of the upcoming release of the fifth edition of Horizons Journal, I've decided to revisit some of the classic articles from the first four issues. In this article, I question the worth of the 4-week TEFL course with the help of members of the ELT World forums:

The four-week TEFL course, a starting point for so many of us in our careers as English teachers. But is it really worth it?

What do we really gain from these short, intensive courses that can't possibly hope to adequately prepare us for a career in teaching? A great deal, it would seem, according to the poll that ran on the blog and the forum.

Firstly, and most importantly judging by how many suggested this, the initial teacher training course provides a good foundation on which to build.

I started the ball rolling, stating the following:

'It didn't in any way prepare me for a full-time teaching position, but I can't imagine having had to go into a classroom for the first time without having done it.'

Emma, a forum member currently embroiled in her initial training course, perceptively notes, 'I imagine it's like passing your driving test. You only really learn to drive properly afterwards.' Spiral78 adds, 'a good course is a pretty essential starter - not that certified teachers are professionals, but that they've got a decent idea of how to start. The course got me started on a stronger foot than I'd have had without it.' Denise further reiterates:

'It alone would not have gotten me to where I am now, but it was a crucial first step. It taught me the basics and I went on from there. I can't imagine how my first teaching job would have gone without a certificate (if they would even have hired me without one). I learned a lot about how to plan, organize, and deliver a lesson.'

Canuck is another who shares the notion, 'that the one month courses offer a foundation to build upon, maybe provide information about what someone currently does in their class now and reinforces good techniques.' GueroPaz and Mishmumkin further exemplify, GueroPaz noting, 'it helped me immensely; I would have been lost without it,' while Mishmumkin adds, 'I had been teaching a year before doing it, but it really taught me a lot about lesson planning, what to expect, how to talk less/listen more.' Guy Courchesne reinforces the idea that 4 week courses should be seen as a foundation and that development is required after:

'I took it without having any serious or immediate expectations of going abroad... I eventually did, about 6 months later. I completed my course in Canada and as it was geared towards teaching in Korea, I found I had to study further and learn 'on the fly' when I started teaching in Mexico.

Increased opportunity in the local job market is another advantage that was mentioned. Chimp Guevara asserts that, 'it opened the door to better jobs for me in Japan, and gave me a good grounding in the basics so that I continue learning when I got back.'

Another potential advantage of the four-week training course is that it will effectively indicate those who are clearly not up to it. spiral78 exemplifies, 'I think the courses can also be useful for weeding out people who genuinely aren't cut out for the job - for example, if a trainee can't show up on time every day, looking reputable, he/she's going to crash and burn early in a contract anyway.'

It would seem, therefore, that these initial teacher training courses hold a lot of value. Never the less, Jerry was one who, validly, raised issue with an inadequate learning environment as reason for a course not being worth what was paid:

'I would say it wasn't worth the money. I say this because the course was delivered on a shoestring in less than acceptable premises with virtually no frills (coffee, water, working computers). The (course provider's) websites are very misleading with respect to training environment.'

So, certain courses may be lacking in areas outside the experience you'll gain in terms of teacher training. These are definitely things to consider when choosing a course, an issue we'll return to later. Despite this feeling of dissatisfaction, Jerry goes on to note, 'the course content was delivered well by the trainer and was comprehensive so in that respect it was "worthwhile".'

Another factor relating to whether or not a particular course is worth the investment is related to what you gain from being in a particular location. This particular aspect caused some disagreement, with suggestions made in support of doing the course in an exotic foreign locale or at a location in your home country. Spiral78 led the cry for taking the course in the country where you're thinking of teaching, listing the following benefits:

-You can get your feet wet in the country/culture while you still have a support system - training centers will usually arrange for your housing during the course, pick you up at the airport, and generally offer you some kind of local orientation. -Your practice teaching students will be representative of those you'll be working with when you start. -A good training centre can give you invaluable info regarding reputable employers in a region. -You can be sure that your cert will be recognized by regional employers.

Jerry, in contrast, notes the benefits of doing the course in your home country:

-When you set up a course online in the country you will work in can you be sure of the provider? -Is their course moderated? -Can you have your certificate notarized in that country? -What's the validity of the certificate? -What's the local reputation of the course provider? -What's the training environment like? -Will you be picked up at the airport? I wasn't, a pre-course orientation meeting was convened and conducted by a previous student who felt it was her moral duty to make sure new students were not left out on a limb as she had been. -Long term, is the certificate any use in another country or region?

Jerry also notes that this won't necessarily help you in getting used to the type of student you'll be teaching, suggesting, 'As for getting to know the type of student, the lessons are so heavily teacher orientated and regimented you don't get near to learning about them or understanding them.'

In terms of it being worthwhile, there was more agreement when it came to the notion of finding out about your course in advance, with spiral78 suggesting the following checklist:

-How long has the course been operating - under current management? -What qualifications do the trainers have? -What support will the centre guarantee? -Will the centre allow you to contact current trainees? -I'd also send a very brief email to several employers in the area asking whether certification from course X is well-looked-upon.

Spiral78 further exemplifies the disparity between courses, noting, 'there are a couple of 60-hour courses without teaching practice which are given as seminars using classrooms at universities - but which are NOT considered to be basic level certifications in many parts of the world.' Indeed, deciding on whether or not a course will be worth it, finding out what the course will include seems to be vital, Canuck asserting that, 'the only 4 week course someone should take is one that is 120 hours with a practical teaching component. The CELTA and 120 hour TEFL have this. I don't think an online course can measure up. I also believe that the 'every weekend' CELTA isn't as valuable as the one month all at once type.'

So, generally such courses are seen by the majority as being a good thing, providing as good a foundation in teaching as possible in a short space of time. The experience you gain will open doors in terms of job opportunities and will give you a pretty clear indication if you're not up to the task.

There are also clear benefits to the location at which you take the course, depending on what your needs may be. Having said that, it's clear that there are major disparities between the quality of such courses and doing some research before hand will pay dividends.

One final thing to consider if you're thinking of doing such a course is the group you're likely to end up teaching. For example, in many countries this might end up being primarily children. Leprofdanglais comments, 'the only thing is it trains you to teach adults, but where I was working in Spain, new staff always got lumbered with kids' classes.' GueroPaz reiterates, 'here in Thailand and in most places in the world, you teach lots of kids. That's my main complaint against any adult-oriented course.' So, even at the initial, four-week starter course stage, think about how specifically the course is going to meet your potential needs.

Use and distribution of this article is permitted subject to no changes being made to the content and appropriate hyperlinks/URL references in place.

Read more great articles like this at the Horizons Journal website.

Dubai – The Visitors Guide

david@eltworld.net (David) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:19:00 +0000

Information from Dan Oldfield

Transport Options to Dubai

As far as getting to Dubai, the vast majority of visitors from afar fly. Dubai is located in the centre of the desert among the Gulf States. Therefore, it is highly recommended that flying is the chosen option for getting there.

Accommodation Options

Dubai is a very luxurious city and that is reflected in the hotels there. One of the most impressive is the landmark Sails hotel that stands proud at the waterfront and is a dominant and striking sight. Dubai also has a range of standard hotels to accommodate for all needs and budgets.

Dubai History

As far as history and cities are concerned, Dubai was a late developer and didn’t establish itself as a large fishing port until the early nineteenth century. However, the city really started to grow tremendously during the seventies. Due to the interest from foreigner traders, Dubai has successfully established itself with the international commerce market and now relies less on oil.

Sights and attractions

The buildings are the most spectacular features to see in Dubai. Also, check out The Dubai museum as it provides a great introductory knowledge on the Emirates. The recently developed Palm Island is a man made complex that from the air appears as a palm tree. Another outstanding project that is currently being developed in Dubai is The World. This is a series of man made islands that are specifically shaped and sized to form and resemble the World from an aerial view.

Eating and Drinking

The city of Dubai is renowned for its impressive range of international cuisine. Restaurants are the most common option of dining choice although the prices are a bit high. There are plenty of pubs, bars and entertainment areas for those looking for some late night fun.

Shopping

If you like shopping and are heading for Dubai then you are going to the right place. Shopping is one of the most common excuses to visit this desert city. You can buy just about anything in Dubai and much of it is at bargain prices.

About the Author

Dan Oldfield works and writes for The Car Hire Specialist for great deals and packages. and is a free lance writer for The Villa Accommodation Site.

What to See and do in Dubai

david@eltworld.net (David) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:37:00 +0000

A brief summary by Gabriel Adams

Though Dubai can get extremely humid and hot in the summer months, with temperatures touching 50 degrees Celsius from May to September, it is a great place to visit during the more pleasant months of September to April.

As a prerequisite to obtaining a tourist visa to Dubai, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months before your arrival. Individuals who intend to spend less than thirty days in the United Arab Emirates may apply for a tourist visa, whereas visit visas are issued to those who intend spending more than 30 days in the country.

Dubai, a city of superlatives, is home to the tallest, highest, largest and fastest. It is home to Burj Dubai, which upon completion in 2008 will be the tallest building in the world, surpassing the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

Dubai offers visitors a host of unique experiences including the exciting Dune Bashing, thrilling hot air balloon rides, golfing or for something entirely different- sand golfing. Visitors to Dubai can experience the extreme as they go skiing and snowboarding in the large, specially built snow skiing center or go sand-skiing and sand boarding in the hot desert sands. Wild Wadi, a water amusement park, in the heart of the city is a great place for kids and adults alike. The Overnight Desert safari is as different but just as exciting as the Morning Desert safari. The Dubai Dhow Cruise takes you sailing down the Dubai Creek while aboard a wooden dhow that is traditionally decorated. Marvel at the major landmarks that are beautifully lit up at night as you take a midnight cruise for a completely different experience.

With so much to see and do in Dubai, maybe you’d need much more than just a short break after all.

About the Author

Find Dubai Restaurants at http://www.lushdubai.com/

A Dummies Guide to the Gulf

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:40:00 +0000

A Dummies Guide to the Gulf by Sarah Adham

Are women in the Gulf really oppressed? Unfortunately this widely-held opinion is based on ignorance and prejudice by people in the West. Women in the Gulf are just as intelligent, articulate, capable and ambitious as their Western counter-parts. They just haven't been given the opportunities by their governments to exercise all that 'drive' until recent times - meaning in the last two decades.

Nowadays, there are many universities, colleges and learning centres in the Gulf region specially geared towards women. Many women work as teachers, business women, psychologists, gynaecologists and in many other professions.

Women in the UAE and certain other Gulf states are free to drive their cars, anywhere and at any time, and although Saudi Arabia has banned women drivers up until now - many observers say it'll only be a matter of time before the law changes. Certainly from my experience as an English Teacher in Saudi Arabia, the young adult women I taught were far from being oppressed. They were well-clued up about all the latest catwalk fashions, even more so than women in the West and the latest in make-up trends and hairstyles. They were happy to be driven around by their chauffeurs to any amount of exclusive shopping malls within the capital, Riyadh. Many of them, I found, were thoroughly spoilt and 'pampered', had their own maids, cooks and baby-sitters and therefore had the 'freedom' to meet up at a branch of 'Starbucks' for an afternoon coffee! The girls I taught, many of them, had access to swimming-pools (for women only, of course), work-out gyms and liked to go bowling in the new bowling-alley that exists in the women's section of the Kingdom Mall in Riyadh. They also informed me that they liked to play 'Pool', more popularly known as, 'Billiardo' in Saudi Arabia. Some students were into American sit-coms such as 'Friends' and others liked to watch 'So you think you can dance?' - I'm sure they weren't watching those semi-clad dancers while their parents were around! A friend phoned me from Saudi while I was holidaying in the UK and informed me as part of the conversation we were having that roughly a third of all the Porsches and Lambourghini's in the world are purchased by Saudi women who then like to 'Tailor-design' them with diamond studs, as well as other 'stuff'. Many Saudi women as well as women from the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait are heavy smokers. Strange how they might see that as 'liberating'?

All in all, the West needs to wake up to the fact that these 'Veiled women' are not all Quran reading, husband-loving, 'paragons of virtue' as they would have us believe. There are some wild women around, for sure. Neither are they all oppressed, walking ten feet behind their husbands, and imprisoned in their houses on a twenty-four-seven basis! Many women in the Gulf are conversant in English more so than at any other time in the past and the arrival of the Internet has flung open wide all the doors to the outside world that were previously closed. So shame on those in the West who 'spin' untrue reports about Gulf women. I say, get your facts right!

About the Author

Hi, my name's Sarah and I've been living in the Arabian Gulf for the last five years. My family and I moved to Saudi Arabia after a brief stint in the United Arab Emirates. We came over to the region from the United Kingdom in 2003. Living in the Gulf has its own challenges as well as limitations but there have been plenty of fun and inspiring moments as well.

http://www.thegulfhealth.blogspot.com

Travel the World - for Free!

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:04:00 +0000

Expert commentary and advice from Cheryl Lockhart

I have been very fortunate to travel to several countries of the world while on business - countries I may have never visited on a holiday. There are pros and cons to working/doing business in a foreign country vs. visiting as a tourist but I have found it to be very rewarding. I have made many friends, been invited into many colleagues' homes to meet their families, dined on local specialties, and seen all the local attractions (I've been to the Giza pyramids three times - see photo on the right) because business partners are always proud to show you their country. After all, don't we always take visitors to Alberta to the Rocky Mountains? Foreign business delegations traveling to Calgary always schedules time to go to Banff, often timing it to coincide with the weekend.

So even though I don't sell a product, I do consider myself an exporter. That is because I am exporting my experience and knowledge - basically I export a service. Many more Canadian service companies (and consultants), from environmental companies to engineering firms, could be exporting, but aren't.

Here are four ways to get started.

1. Consult.

Consulting overseas is essentially exporting a service. For many Canadians the obvious first step is to examine the opportunities offered by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - the executing agency of Canada's $2.87 billion aid program.

CIDA funds various development programs, some of which are administered and implemented directly by the recipient government and others by Canadian partners. In either case, experts are required for some aspect of the project. In my case, over the past year I have spent a total three months working in Indonesia providing export-related technical assistance to garment manufacturers in Bali.

To work with CIDA, all consultants must be registered with Consulting and Audit Canada. However, CIDA does not directly contact everyone and therefore it is useful to know the partners that cooperate with CIDA, and luckily a list of non-governmental organizations (NGO) is available on the CIDA web site (type 'voluntary sector division' in the search box, choose the first result and then click on 'Links to CIDA's partners').

CIDA also publishes a list of all its current bilateral projects which includes the name of the primary partner organization, the value of the project and time remaining. You may be able to offer your services to these organizations. From CIDA's home page, click on 'Projects' and then 'CIDA's contracts and agreements.'

Once you have gained experience working with CIDA, many international financial institutions such as the World Bank also hire consulting firms to plan, manage and evaluate their projects. For example, right now there is an Expression of Interest for a "Country Environmental Analysis" for Vietnam. It also helps to cultivate contacts within the World Bank as contracts under $100,000 are not publicly posted.

Even if you are not in the "development" business, think about what expertise you can offer to other countries.

2. Partner Overseas.

Very few companies are successful overseas if they do not have a local partner, regardless of whether they are selling a product or a service. The format of a partnership in services exporting (i.e. joint-venture, strategic alliance, equity agreement) is not necessarily the prime consideration but the Canadian company must take the time to determine what they need and want from their foreign partner. Someone to identify and pursue leads? Labour to undertake certain aspects of the project? Administrative assistance? Insight into local laws and customs? Language support? Competitive intelligence? The Canadian partner also needs to consider what they bring to the partnership. New technology? Expertise? Financing?

CIDA has funding available for Canadian firms developing partnerships in developing countries under its Industrial Cooperation Program.

Do you have a unique technology in demand overseas but are reluctant to start exporting? Don't assume all of the responsibility yourself - find a local partner and reap the benefits.

3. Network Locally.

This method for entering new markets is probably one of the most overlooked, despite its low risk. Every Canadian company working overseas is outsourcing some aspect of the project, usually to someone they know and trust - often one of their domestic suppliers. For example, most Canadian oil and gas companies have operations overseas as well - often in remote areas that require housing and catering. Rather than relying on local capabilities, they generally contract their camp services to well known Canadian firms, thus ensuring the comfort of their workers - because a camp full of unhappy and miserable oil rig workers is not a good thing!

Take a look at your current clients and see if any of them are doing business overseas.

4. Teach.

Everyone is aware of the opportunities to teach English overseas, which is what my sister is doing right now in South Korea. She signed her contract through a Toronto-based agency which is essentially exporting her knowledge of English and Canada (she has actually sung O'Canada to a room full of junior high kids, with no accompaniment!). At the post-secondary level, countries that are rapidly expanding their education systems are demanding skilled teachers and partnerships with foreign institutions in all professions. China and the United Arab Emirates are two that come to mind. However, it is not only within the formal education system that teaching and training opportunities emerge. The same issue of Canadian Business that printed my exporting advice (June 6 - 19, 2005) features a scantily clad model on its cover (I guess sex sells even business magazines) with the line, "The Business of Becoming China's Top Model." After four years of working in China, where white skin is highly valued (and here in North America millions are spent on tanning lotions and tanning salons - go figure), Canadian model Tracey Grebinsky is working with a local talent agency to: 1) train Western models about the complexities of working in China, and; 2) educate Chinese firms about the business of modelling (i.e. contracts, choosing a "look", working with agencies, etc).

Re-evaluate whether you have an exportable service. I'm a big believer that almost anything can be exported. So pack your bags and get ready for an international adventure.

About the Author

Cheryl Lockhart of International Strategies Ltd. assists small- to medium-sized enterprises navigate the complexities of global business development. Services include international project identification and management, market research and foreign partner development. To learn more about exporting and read additional FREE e-zines, visit http://www.intl-strategies.com

Working In Dubai

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:44:00 +0000

An article by Rhiannon Williamson

Particularly in the fields of tourism, IT, media and finance there are significant job opportunities for qualified personnel and if you’re interested in working in Dubai here’s a guide to employment in the most exciting, tax free, fastest growing multi cultural location in the world.

Yes, you heard me right, Dubai is tax free – if you live and work in the emirate your income will be paid to you gross and furthermore, if you buy a house to live in you will not be subject to property taxes because direct personal taxation is against the law in Dubai!

The emirate currently has 15 free trade zones and 7 more are in the planning stages. The free trade zones are where foreign businesses can establish themselves and grow without the restriction of corporate taxation for example and without having to submit to a local majority shareholding structure. As a direct result of all of the incentives offered to overseas businesses, take up in the free trade zones has been incredible and employment opportunities for foreign personnel are being created within them on a weekly basis.

To work in Dubai you require a work permit and a residency visa and the majority of employers arrange these for their expatriate work force when they appoint them. If you’re planning on travelling to Dubai to look for work you can enter the country on a temporary visa and then as soon as you secure employment you can apply for your work permit and visas. Rules relating to the period of time you can remain in the country on a temporary visa vary depending on the country you herald from and you should check with your local UAE embassy on rules that apply to you before you travel.

Most business in Dubai is done on a networking basis and so when you first arrive it can feel a little alien to have to immediately get out there and start introducing yourself to people. But don’t worry, you soon get used to it. Just make sure you have a pocketful of business cards to hand whenever you leave your accommodation as trading in business cards is the first step to successful networking!

Once you’ve settled into the different working hours in Dubai – many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon and no local people take appointments on a Friday – and once you’ve settled into the fast pace of your social life you will begin to love your new surroundings. The quality of life achievable in Dubai for expatriates is quite possibly inimitable elsewhere as such emphasis has been placed on creating a paradise where foreign workers can work hard, play hard, live life to the full and experience everything in one day from skiing on an indoor slope to playing golf to diving to camel riding in the desert.

Expatriates make up 94% of the population in Dubai and as a direct result you can almost guarantee you’ll make friends very quickly and easily. The environment in Dubai is so multi cultural, open and free and there are a great deal of social clubs and events designed for people to meet up and make friends. These all help ease new residents into their brand new life. Everyone makes a great effort to get along in Dubai because they are all in the same boat together – working away from home but enjoying being in a country that offers first class business opportunities and a tax free lifestyle – could you ask for more?

About the Author

Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose many articles about living and working abroad have appeared in expatriate publications around the world.

Qatar, a concentration of wealth

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:43:00 +0000

Article by Sandra Bossis

Located on the south shores of the Arabo-Persian Gulf, Qatar is a 11,437 km² peninsula. Its neighbours are Saudi Arabia to the West, the United Arab Emirates to the South and Bahrain in the Northwest. This country, the same size as Corsica, has 563 km of shoreline, which used to be its main source of wealth before the discovery of oil: fishing and pearl culture.

Over the last few years, Qatar has become an especially wealthy country with a GDP, in 2005, of $5,800 per inhabitant. Even though its oil production remains modest compared to that of its neighbouring countries, it natural gas production is on the edge of making it the world's number one exporter.

Indeed, Qatar currently holds the third largest gas reserves in the world, behind Russia and Iran, and over the last few years, it has heavily invested in the exploitation of this wealth. As a visionary, the Emir of Qatar does not limit State income solely on natural resources and he is strengthening his country's position on the international scene by creating, for 2010, Energy City, the first city dedicated to energetic material exchange in the Middle-East. This new city will house a stock exchange, as well as many offices and services: banks, laboratories, insurance companies, training centres, hotel complexes, etc.

There is no existing market leader in this region of the world, hence the interest for the country to be an innovator in the field, so as to put itself on a par with Dubai.

The dependency on gas and oil enticed the authorities to orientate themselves towards a genuine diversification of the economy. Industrial projects around petrochemistry are actively developing. Qatar plays an important role on the international scene and has been, since last year, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The satellite TV channel AL JAZIRA, created by the head of the State, contributes largely to the distribution of a politically open and independent image. Managing Director of Pro-businessplus Ltd, international management company, Headquarters situated in Ireland with offices in USA, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, France and Luxembourg , website: www.pro-businessplus.com.

About the Author

Managing Director of Pro-businessplus Ltd, international management company, Headquarters situated in Ireland with offices in USA, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, France and Luxembourg , website: www.pro-businessplus.com.

The social security system in the UAE

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:29:00 +0000

Fact: there is no obligatory state or employer-contribution insurance schemes. Small populations and high gross domestic products allow the Gulf states to fund the welfare of their people without needing to impose many financial obligations upon them. (This also means that the governments avoid the high costs of administering such schemes.) Nationals are automatically provided with extensive state help, including medical care, sickness and maternity cover, child care, pensions, unemployment benefit and in some instances housing and disability benefits.

Foreign workers have access to medical facilities, but to little else. In fact, Dubai is beginning to pressurise companies to provide medical insurance for their employees to ease expatriate pressure on state healthcare programmes, and private medical insurance is recommended for most foreigners.
Pensions

There are no state pension schemes in Dubai for foreign expatriates, although certain state institutions and some international companies have corporate pension schemes. If you were paying into a state pension scheme while working in your home country, you should continue to do so, even if in a reduced form, such as Class 3 contributions in the UK. These are usually one of the best investments you can make, for the continuous return they provide upon retirement. (You might also be eligible for certain benefits, e.g. the payment of medical costs, while in Dubai.) Nevertheless, expatriates should take advantage of their high disposable income in Dubai to set up a personal pension plan. There are many companies offering a variety of schemes, either based on lump sums or supported by regular savings.

20 reasons not to live in Dubai

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:43:00 +0000

Das Sheikh started up a lively thread over on the UAE forum back last year: 20 reasons not to live in Dubai. From shopping, to nightlife and dangerous driving, the thread covers some interesting aspects of life in Dubai, and has caused some heated debate.

Take a look at the UAE forum and sign up to leave your own comments on this subject and many others.

Horizons journal: Issue 4 Out Now

david@eltworld.net (David) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:14:00 +0000

Issue 4 of the ELT World free journal is now available for download. Click on the pic below to visit the journal website:

Horizons: The ELT World free online journal

Stunning Vision: A Refreshing Look at UAE Tourism

david@eltworld.net (David) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:31:00 +0000

Article by Isla Campell

Since the discovery of oil in 1962, the United Arab Emirates has been transformed from an impoverished region made up of small desert principalities into a modern state with a high standard of living, and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

And, although this economy is still largely based around the export of natural gas and petroleum, it has seen some drastic diversification in recent years. These changes include an expanding manufacturing industry, a flourishing services sector, and a massive construction boom.

At the forefront of these changes has always been Dubai city, which has become a top holiday and investment spot for the rich and powerful from all over the world. In the midst of a desert setting, on the clear blue waters of the Persian Gulf, a city of the future reaches towards the ever-clear skies, announcing itself to the world through its endless pursuit of grandness; a city that strives for the biggest attractions, the tallest buildings, and a massive tourist industry.

It is a refreshing change, then, when one discovers Ras Al-Khaimah. Just 45 minutes up the road from Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah (or RAK, as it is known), takes its modernisation with a much more relaxed approach, and there's little wonder why.

Far from the clichéd view of dusty desert towns with stretching seas of sand dunes, Ras Al-Khaimah is set between the sapphire waters of the Persian Gulf, accompanied by lush green plains that swell around the dunes, and vaulting mountaintops whose forested sides slope gradually down into the Strait of Hormuz, forming natural lagoons that have earned the area the nickname 'the fjords of Arabia'.

With such beautiful natural scenery, it's easy to see why Ras Al-Khaimah, as well as looking to modernise its capital city, is also eager to maintain a connection with the stunning nature that surrounds it. This is why much of the tourism that RAK enjoys comes from holidaymakers out to get back to nature - often eco-tourists - and why the best activities that RAK provides are those that take advantage of the surroundings, like hiking through abandoned mountainside villages and forts, cruising along quaint little waterside towns and diving in the pure waters of the Gulf, where dolphins are known to swim and play.

As well as promoting its unspoilt natural surroundings, the visionary Ras Al-Khaimah government is also looking to develop the kind of world-class residential property that placed Dubai on the map. As well as appealing to full-time residents looking for a house on the beach away from the city life of Dubai, holidaymakers and people looking to buy property will also be able to enjoy Ras Al-Khaimah luxury apartments as well as villas and townhouses.

So if you're looking for hot property in a faultless paradise setting, or just looking to get back to nature in all its glory, Ras Al-Khaimah is what you're looking for!

About the Author

Isla Campbell is an online, freelance journalist and avid traveler and pilates devotee. When not on the road she lives on the outskirts of Oban.

HLT Mag - May / June issue

david@eltworld.net (David) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:53:00 +0000

I know it's been keeping you awake at night but it's finally here, the May / June issue of HLT. I am aware many of you may already be thinking about your summer holidays and perhaps you want to put teaching at the back of your minds. But perhaps you are in the middle of the school year… Well, wherever you are based, whether it just before summer holiday or soon you will be in mid winter, do not miss the new issue of HLT. With its wealth of articles and some exciting new subjects, reading the issue will, I hope, be worth your time and attention.

In this issue there is an important message from Mario Rinvoludicrous. In his article (in the Course outline section) super Mario writes about the contribution Pilgrims trainers have made to the teaching community through their books. He draws our attention to the major writing effort that has brought the words, thoughts, teaching experiences and imaginations of 50 or so Pilgrims trainers/writers to many people around the language teaching globe. Their will to write and share ideas is also an encouragement for very teacher around the globe. Scintillating stuff.

Are your Students Learning Anything?

david@eltworld.net (David) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:57:00 +0000

Thanks to all those who voted in the May poll over on the ELT World blog:

The disussion on this issue continues over on the ELT World forums. A new poll will be up and running soon...

The Effects of Globalisation on English

david@eltworld.net (David) — Sat, 31 May 2008 09:04:00 +0000

Stephen J. Dubner recently posed the question, ‘what will globalisation do to languages?’ on the Freakonomics blog of the New York Times. The article contains the views of some notable folk, including Christian Rolling, Mark Liberman, Henry Hitchings, and John Hayden. Here’s what they have to say about the issue:

“The Internet has helped curtail English language domination.”

Christian Rolling, senior interpreter and next chief of the French interpretation section at the U.N. in New York.

“English is like a cell phone provider offering the best plan. But if the dollar continues to drop, the most viable option could shift.”

John Hayden, president of Versation, parent company of English, baby!, a social networking site for English language learners around the world.

“If you’re going to combine many countries with different national languages — and do it by political compromise rather than by military conquest — then you can’t impose any single national language on the result.”

Mark Liberman, professor of linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania, blogs at Language Log.

“One of the intriguing consequences of globalization is that English’s center of gravity is moving.”

Henry Hitchings, author of Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary: The Extraordinary Story of the Book that Defined the World, and his most recent, The Secret Life of Words: How English Became English.

This one of the most interesting articles I’ve read on the matter in quite some time, with each of the contributors putting forward some compelling arguments.

Read the full article here.

A Souk and the Largest Store in the UAE Together

david@eltworld.net (David) — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:44:00 +0000

Article by Naveen Marasinghe

One of the greatest attractions in Wafi City is Wafi Mall. This massive mall was opened in 2001 and houses over 200 stores featuring a wide range of goods. In recent years the mall has made some additions that include the Khan Murjan and Salam Boutique.

Salam Boutique is the single largest store in the United Arab Emirates with it's 10,000 square metre premises. The store offers the world's top brands and products across four departments. These are men and women's fashion and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, photography and home accessories. The store also features a spa, restaurant, as well as a special children's department. While Salam boutique is a hip, modern and energetic store, the Khan Murjan presents a more traditional environment.

The Khan Murjan is a souk in Dubai that can be accessed from Wafi Mall as well as Raffles Dubai which is a luxury hotel in Dubai. The two level subterranean souk features restaurants, artist's retreats, coffee shops and meeting areas. Khan Murjan in Dubai houses over 150 bazaar shops and its architecture consists of a diverse range of Islamic influences. To make this possible a variety of materials were brought down from other countries including carved stone from Egypt, woodcarvings from Syria, as well as hand painted mosaic tile designs from Turkey.

Because of this the Souk is divided in to four quarters which are the Moroccan, Syrian, Egyptian and Turkish quarters. Each quarter offers a visual treat as well as a different quarter related atmosphere. One area of Khan Murjan features a beautiful glass mosaic ceiling that stretches throughout the centre. Inspiration for the magnificent souk was drawn from the original Khan Murjan that was built in Baghdad during the 14th century and served as an inn for travelers and traders.

At the centre of the souk is an open roofed courtyard restaurant situated with a backdrop of Wmawi Age architecture. The restaurant features a traditional water wheel where people can gather to indulge in an authentically cooked meal with kiln baked breads. Khan Murjan is a major landmark in the city of Dubai since its creation, with its outstanding architectural beauty as well as the active crowds, stores and craftsman housed in its walls. The stores at the souk offer a wealth of works of art from a variety of the Arab world's most famous craftsman.

The Souk is open daily from 10 am till 10pm and till midnight on Thursday's and Fridays. Visitors planning on visiting the souk and Wafi Mall may find a Dubai hotel such as Raffles Dubai offering an ideal location for visiting the souk.

About the Author

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. http://www.emarketingeye.com/

Working conditions: Salary and working hours in the UAE

david@eltworld.net (David) — Mon, 26 May 2008 08:20:00 +0000

Salaries in Dubai are usually similar to or greater than those paid in western countries. However, because the region has no personal taxation, net income is usually much greater, which is the major attraction of working in the country. In the past, remuneration packages were split into various parts: basic salary, a car provision or allowance, a housing provision or allowance, medical cover, education for children and air tickets for home visits. Today, however, employers tend just to pay a salary, which covers all these expenses, although in some cases there are performance or other bonuses.

In addition to salary, contract workers are awarded what is known as an ‘indemnity’ at the end of their contract period. This indemnity is usually based on basic salary, excluding bonuses. The indemnity can be a significant amount of money if you’ve been working in Dubai for a long time, and many people manage either to accumulate a reasonable financial cushion or to live very comfortably. If you’re clever and disciplined, you should be able to do some of both. The indemnity has nothing to do with insurance but is an end-of-contract bonus which is required by law to be paid to expatriate workers as a sort of ‘thank-you’ for being of service to the state. (It’s also known as ‘end of service benefits’.) Indemnity scales usually amount to 15 (in some cases 20) days of basic pay per year of employment for the first three years and thereafter a month’s salary per year of employment. You should also note that some Arab companies regularly delay the payment of salaries, cash flow problems being passed on to their staff. In this event, you have little alternative but to wait.

Working Hours & Overtime

The working week in the UAE tends to vary between 40 and 48 hours, depending on particular company policy. Office hours are usually from 08.30 or 09.00 to 17.30 or 18.00, with no differences in time keeping between summer and winter. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours and, legally, this should apply to all staff, although in reality many companies will only apply this to Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.

Friday is the Muslim rest day and, if your company has a five-day working week, the other day off will probably be either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies, as taking Thursday off would mean a reduction in the number of operational days in common with much of the rest of the world. Conversely, other companies insist on Thursday, as the school ‘weekend’ is Thursday and Friday.

Newbie Questions on Teaching in the Emirates

david@eltworld.net (David) — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:29:00 +0000

LowerYourWing posted the following question over on the UAE Forum last week:

'I've been reading many of the posts to get more information on teaching in the UAE. I have a BA and I am currently taking TESL + Young Learners. Is this enough to teach English in the UAE? Also, I specifically want to teach either women or children.'

If you have experince living in the Emirates, perhaps you could help out by answering the question. If so, click here.