Last Saturday I held my goodbye party. I had a great time, it was so nice that so many of my friends come out. I was elated to see everyone. The funny thing is that I run in so many circles that I had a real diverse group of friends at my place; my friends from High School, co-workers, running friends and more were in attendance. Some of my my friends even came from Toronto to see me. I was so excited to have so many of my friends there.
We had a Middle Eastern spread. I barbecued chicken kebabs and bought all the fixings We had hummus, tzatziki garlic sauce, diced tomatoes lettuce and turnips. All I can say is the food was super delicious and everyone ate to their heart content.
Thank you so much to everyone that was there,you mean so much to me and I am truly going to miss you.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
A Little Over Two Weeks (Potentially...)
Hello!
Sorry that I have been MIA, things here have been so busy. I just came back from Vegas (I had a blast) and now I "may" have a little over two weeks left in Montreal, even just typing that I cannot believe it. I say "may" because I am still waiting on a departure date and the earliest we have been told we can leave is August 8th. So in my head I am preparing myself for August 8th. I am slowly packing my things, deciding what to take and what to leave (will I need a red trench coat? The answer is NO). I am trying to pack a few of my favourite things and not leave too much behind. Since I wear a size 16/2x, I am worried that I will not find clothes to fit me so I am taking along as many items as I can fit in my two suitcases plus carry on. My friend made a good point; the company is paying my flight over so if I have to pay for over weight luggage so be it.
I went to update my shots today. All I had to get was my Hepatitis A booster. I am a little anal about my health, I always go to the doctor and dentist like clockwork, I think it stems from having parent in the medical field. My apartment looks like Hurrican Katrina hit it, with all the suitcases, extra toiletries and boxes everywhere.
Saturday is my going away party, I feel a little silly having a going away party and STILL not having a departure date, but hey, no news is good news. I am really excited I have friends that are coming in from out of town to see me and that makes me feel so special. I am also going to see Dave Chapelle on Sunday as part of Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival. I was a huge fan of the Chapelle Show when it was on and I am excited to see him live.
I still have no one to take over my car lease and that really is the only thing that is making me super nervous. I hope that I find someone soon.
I still cannot believe that I am heading halfway around the world for the second time in my life.
Sorry that I have been MIA, things here have been so busy. I just came back from Vegas (I had a blast) and now I "may" have a little over two weeks left in Montreal, even just typing that I cannot believe it. I say "may" because I am still waiting on a departure date and the earliest we have been told we can leave is August 8th. So in my head I am preparing myself for August 8th. I am slowly packing my things, deciding what to take and what to leave (will I need a red trench coat? The answer is NO). I am trying to pack a few of my favourite things and not leave too much behind. Since I wear a size 16/2x, I am worried that I will not find clothes to fit me so I am taking along as many items as I can fit in my two suitcases plus carry on. My friend made a good point; the company is paying my flight over so if I have to pay for over weight luggage so be it.
I went to update my shots today. All I had to get was my Hepatitis A booster. I am a little anal about my health, I always go to the doctor and dentist like clockwork, I think it stems from having parent in the medical field. My apartment looks like Hurrican Katrina hit it, with all the suitcases, extra toiletries and boxes everywhere.
Saturday is my going away party, I feel a little silly having a going away party and STILL not having a departure date, but hey, no news is good news. I am really excited I have friends that are coming in from out of town to see me and that makes me feel so special. I am also going to see Dave Chapelle on Sunday as part of Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival. I was a huge fan of the Chapelle Show when it was on and I am excited to see him live.
I still have no one to take over my car lease and that really is the only thing that is making me super nervous. I hope that I find someone soon.
I still cannot believe that I am heading halfway around the world for the second time in my life.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A Little Bit of This And That
The last few weeks have been busy. I said goodbye to my school, my students and my co workers, it was really sad to say goodbye to people that you have seen for the last seven years. I had my last prom:
I continue my pre-departure prep:
I have also organized a going away party at the end of July. I am so happy because some of my friends who live in Toronto are going to come. It will be great to have one last hoorah before I go.
I was also VERY happy to find out that a friend of a friend is going to be doing a internship for her MBA in Dubai! YESSSSSSSSSSSS! She will be there from end of August to April, so I am going to have someone that I know in Dubai, I am so thankful.
I am really going to make the most of the next few weeks and try and see as many friends as possible. I am going to miss them so much. I really hope that they can come and visit over the next two years.
Have a great week!
P.S. Check out Kaitlin's Blog, she is also leaving for the UAE.
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| Ladies, you look beautiful! |
I continue my pre-departure prep:
- Put my car on Leasebusters, if you are in the Montreal area and are interested in a lease takeover, check it out here.
- Went to the bank to find out about transferring money from Abu Dhabi to my account at the Royal Bank. I was given a sheet with all the necessary info. The cost will be 15$, but that does not take into account fees from the Abu Dhabi end. I was hoping to transfer money monthly, but if it is going to be too expensive I can transfer every other month. Also if you do online banking with Royal, there is a section for you to fill out when you are travelling to let them know that you will be out of the country, so that your cards will not be flagged if you end up using them halfway around the world.
- I got paid out from work so I set aside 1500$ to bring with me. I am going to add to that in the next few weeks, I am hoping to go with 2000-2500$ to last me until I get my first pay check in September. I have asked a few Facebook groups and they say that that will be more than enough. I just don't want to have to worry about money when I am there (as I am sure that there will be plenty of other things to worry about) and I don't want to use my credit card if I don"t have to.
- I got a set of luggage from the Bay. They had a sale and the pieces were 65% off so I got two 70 cm pieces and a carry on in maroon. I am hoping *crosses fingers* that all the stuff that I want to bring fits.
- I still have to go to the eye doctor to get a prescription and new contacts.
- Get my vaccines/shots updates at the travel clinic
- Unlock my cellphone
- By the router,Magic Jack Plus, adapters online, along with a VPN. The VPN is so that when I am in the UAE my computer "appears" to still be in Canada so that not internet sites are not blocked,. The router is so that I can use all devices (computer, cell, iPad) internet in my place and Majic Jack is so that I can call all my buddies in Canada for free from my home. I love to talk on the phone so that is a must. I am not so much of a TV person, so I am going to skip out on the Apple TV/Roku stuff. I will still have Netflixs so I should be fine.
I have also organized a going away party at the end of July. I am so happy because some of my friends who live in Toronto are going to come. It will be great to have one last hoorah before I go.
I was also VERY happy to find out that a friend of a friend is going to be doing a internship for her MBA in Dubai! YESSSSSSSSSSSS! She will be there from end of August to April, so I am going to have someone that I know in Dubai, I am so thankful.
I am really going to make the most of the next few weeks and try and see as many friends as possible. I am going to miss them so much. I really hope that they can come and visit over the next two years.
Have a great week!
P.S. Check out Kaitlin's Blog, she is also leaving for the UAE.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
7 Weeks
There are roughly 7 weeks left until I leave Montreal for my new life in Abu Dhabi. Slowly, the reality that I am leaving is sinking in. This week will be the last week at my school. Last week was my last prom with the students. People keep asking me if I am excited to embark on this new adventure that will take me half way around the world, I must say that I am not excited yet, because I keep thinking about all the things that I have to do; I am still looking for someone to take over my car lease, I have to go to the bank, sell a few items in my current place, pack and move.
I am also going to Vegas for four days with my mother in July and of course I have to have a going away party. I have joined a few groups on Facebook and I am thankfully to have individuals who are already in the UAE to answer all my questions, but it really is information overload. I feel like a high school student who felt ready for an exam, but then got to the exam and talked to other students and is overwhelmed at all the possibilities of things that can be asked on the test. I really have to take a moment sometimes and tell myself to breath.
Looks like I will be leaving anywhere after August 7th since that is when Ramadan ends. The crazy thing is that I can be told up to two days before when I will be leaving. In the words of Kanye West, "That sh*t cray". This is my current screen saver. Isn't it beautiful? In 7 weeks my life is going to change forever.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Authenticating Documents
The last thing that was left to do for my application was to get my degree and teaching certificate authenticated. To do this I had to get them notarized, then I had to head to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Ottawa.
About two weeks before I had an official transcript from my University sent to the UAE Embassy. Since I live in Montreal, I decided to drive to Ottawa (about an hour and a half) and take care of everything else in one day.
To have your documents authenticated at the UAE embassy the cost is 75$ per document and they only take money orders of certified cheques. I got a money order done at the post office for 7$.
First stop the Department of Foreign Affairs. I took my notarized documents to them and found the building and headed inside. Everything went so smoothly there were about 8 people ahead of me, but I only had to wait 15 minutes to be seen. Once they stamped my papers I headed to the UAE Embassy.
I had to be buzzed in at the Embassy and the security was similar to an airport. My bag had to go through a security check and I had to leave my ID and cell phone with the guard. As I walked though the metal detector, the security guard scanned my body with one of those handheld detectors. I was then given the Ok to go in. I gave in my papers and my money order and was told to come back at 2:30 pm (it was now 11:30 am). I went to Red Lobster (since we don't have them any more in Montreal) and walked around the mall. At 2:15 pm, I headed back to the Embassy and went through the same procedure and was given back my authenticated papers. I then headed back home to Montreal.
Simple and easy (except for the speeding ticket I got on the way home). I scanned my documents and sent them to my recruiter. All I have to do now is wait for my ticket and departure date. I still cannot believe this!
About two weeks before I had an official transcript from my University sent to the UAE Embassy. Since I live in Montreal, I decided to drive to Ottawa (about an hour and a half) and take care of everything else in one day.
To have your documents authenticated at the UAE embassy the cost is 75$ per document and they only take money orders of certified cheques. I got a money order done at the post office for 7$.
First stop the Department of Foreign Affairs. I took my notarized documents to them and found the building and headed inside. Everything went so smoothly there were about 8 people ahead of me, but I only had to wait 15 minutes to be seen. Once they stamped my papers I headed to the UAE Embassy.
I had to be buzzed in at the Embassy and the security was similar to an airport. My bag had to go through a security check and I had to leave my ID and cell phone with the guard. As I walked though the metal detector, the security guard scanned my body with one of those handheld detectors. I was then given the Ok to go in. I gave in my papers and my money order and was told to come back at 2:30 pm (it was now 11:30 am). I went to Red Lobster (since we don't have them any more in Montreal) and walked around the mall. At 2:15 pm, I headed back to the Embassy and went through the same procedure and was given back my authenticated papers. I then headed back home to Montreal.
Simple and easy (except for the speeding ticket I got on the way home). I scanned my documents and sent them to my recruiter. All I have to do now is wait for my ticket and departure date. I still cannot believe this!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Got My Offer Letter Today!
This ish just got real! I got my offer letter today! More info to come once I read all the documents!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
The Interview
Today was the day that I have been waiting for, the in person interview with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. I was up before the 5:30 alarm and I got dressed so quickly. I left the house at 6:15 even though I knew that I only had to be at the hotel for 8 am. I was so afraid that something would go wrong. What if the subway broke down? What if I couldn't find the hotel. I figured that being early was better than being late.
I made it to the hotel by 7:25, so I had plenty of time to spare. I had some juice , I refused to eat food because I was too nervous for that. I waited in the hotel lobby, to see if I saw anyone else that looked like they were hear for the interview also. My recruiter recognized me. There were 7 of us that were interviewing that day. Five were interviewing for primary positions and two (including me) were interviewing for middle school positions. I was interviewing for middle school Science and the other girl was interviewing for middle school English.
I was happy to see that there was one other black girl, her story is that she has already taught in Abu Dhabi with ADEC but decided to come back to Canada after her two years. Since being back she has realized that there wasn't anything going on in Canada so she wants to go back to Abu Dhabi. She said that she loved living in Abu Dhabi and the scariest thing about Abi Dhabi was the driving. It is not unusual for people to go 170 km/hr there. She said the work/life balance is amazing and you have so much time to travel, you have money to shop and time to relax.
Before the group briefing my recruiter from Teachanywhere collected my documents and I chatted with the other teachers. Two of them were newly certified teachers and they were worried that they may not be taken for that reason (ADEC wants teachers who preferable have two years of experience). As we chatted I could tell that I was extremely prepared because some of them were asking questions that I knew the answers to, such as how our yearly flight home was going to be issued (cash). This made me feel good.
I was going to be interviewed second to last. The group briefing done by members of ADEC as well as two school principals (one Emeriti and the other Canadian) the briefing was extremely informative. I learned that there is a 6 month probation period and that if we were not happy we could come home in those six months without too much trouble. They also told us that we have to bring enough money with us to last until we get paid around Sept. 25th. There is a posibility of an adbance on our forst pay , but it doesn't always occur. I did the math and I should bring at least 2000$ to be safe and closer to 3000$ would be even better. We also learned that if we are located more than an hour away from our school, we will be bused to school with the other teachers in the area.
The briefing lasted about 40 minutes, then it was time for the personal interviews. When my turn finally came, I was interview by two members of ADEC, one was from Australia and the other was from England I think. The asked me so many Science questions, I was a bit surprised. I thought I would be asked more classroom management questions or situational questions. Here are a few things I was asked:
The recruiter told me that we would know by 9 pm if we would be recommended for the position. I checked my email and low and behold I got an email congratulating me! I was so happy. I now have to get my teaching certificate and B.Ed authenticated. First I have to get them notarized (luckily I have a friend who is a lawyer and can do this for me, thanks E!) and then I am going to take a trip to Ottawa and visit the Department of Defence and the UAE embassy. When that is done I just wait for my ticket, should be leaving in mid-August. Three months to get ready!
I made it to the hotel by 7:25, so I had plenty of time to spare. I had some juice , I refused to eat food because I was too nervous for that. I waited in the hotel lobby, to see if I saw anyone else that looked like they were hear for the interview also. My recruiter recognized me. There were 7 of us that were interviewing that day. Five were interviewing for primary positions and two (including me) were interviewing for middle school positions. I was interviewing for middle school Science and the other girl was interviewing for middle school English.
I was happy to see that there was one other black girl, her story is that she has already taught in Abu Dhabi with ADEC but decided to come back to Canada after her two years. Since being back she has realized that there wasn't anything going on in Canada so she wants to go back to Abu Dhabi. She said that she loved living in Abu Dhabi and the scariest thing about Abi Dhabi was the driving. It is not unusual for people to go 170 km/hr there. She said the work/life balance is amazing and you have so much time to travel, you have money to shop and time to relax.
Before the group briefing my recruiter from Teachanywhere collected my documents and I chatted with the other teachers. Two of them were newly certified teachers and they were worried that they may not be taken for that reason (ADEC wants teachers who preferable have two years of experience). As we chatted I could tell that I was extremely prepared because some of them were asking questions that I knew the answers to, such as how our yearly flight home was going to be issued (cash). This made me feel good.
I was going to be interviewed second to last. The group briefing done by members of ADEC as well as two school principals (one Emeriti and the other Canadian) the briefing was extremely informative. I learned that there is a 6 month probation period and that if we were not happy we could come home in those six months without too much trouble. They also told us that we have to bring enough money with us to last until we get paid around Sept. 25th. There is a posibility of an adbance on our forst pay , but it doesn't always occur. I did the math and I should bring at least 2000$ to be safe and closer to 3000$ would be even better. We also learned that if we are located more than an hour away from our school, we will be bused to school with the other teachers in the area.
The briefing lasted about 40 minutes, then it was time for the personal interviews. When my turn finally came, I was interview by two members of ADEC, one was from Australia and the other was from England I think. The asked me so many Science questions, I was a bit surprised. I thought I would be asked more classroom management questions or situational questions. Here are a few things I was asked:
- How would you set up a science unit?
- Describe a successful science class?
- Have you taught in a lab? What precautions would you take when teaching in ascience lab
- Tell us about how you use technology in the class room?
- How would you assess students at the end of the unit? In the lab?
- Why do you want to go to Abu Dhabi? (Recruiter told us NOT to answer, "for adventure")
The recruiter told me that we would know by 9 pm if we would be recommended for the position. I checked my email and low and behold I got an email congratulating me! I was so happy. I now have to get my teaching certificate and B.Ed authenticated. First I have to get them notarized (luckily I have a friend who is a lawyer and can do this for me, thanks E!) and then I am going to take a trip to Ottawa and visit the Department of Defence and the UAE embassy. When that is done I just wait for my ticket, should be leaving in mid-August. Three months to get ready!
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