What I know so far!

People keep asking me the same set of questions when I attend parties or when I'm catching up with people so I thought that I'd post a few bits of information on my blog and try to write on here more often.

Who: Me
What: Going to teach High School World History for 2 years
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: I leave Houston, TX for Seattle after the 4th of July and I leave Seattle for Dubai, August 14th
Why: Experience the Middle East and expand my career as a teacher

I've been getting a lot of the same reactions when I inform others of my move to Dubai...

"Wow, I've heard that place is amazing", "Where is Dubai again?" and "The richest people in the world live there" a lot of responses re: gold, the Burj Al Arab (the building that resembles a sail boat).


I am unsure regarding what life will be like in Dubai but I do know this...

Housing: I will live in an apartment my school sets me up with. Other faculty members live in the same building but I will have my own apartment. I get a certain amount of dirham (UAE currency) to furnish the apartment.

Transportation: I will have to catch rides to school with other teachers until I can lease or purchase my own car. This is one bummer about the two years abroad: moving from one non-pedestrian friendly city to another.

School: I will be teaching at an all girls school Al Mizhar American Academy for Girls (www.aag.ae) which is part of a group of schools called Taaleem (Education in arabic). I will be in the high school section of the school.

Once I learn more I will let you know but this is what I know so far! I am so excited and nervous about moving away from Houston where I feel so established and connected. I am really attached to my friends here so I really hope everyone being more connected via iPhones, laptops, webcams, etc. helps.