This past week

It has been two weeks since we have arrived! This past week I had three days of orientation and started looking for/buying furniture.

      Orientation provided good information. On the first day I found out that I would be teaching KG (kindergarten). On September 4th I'll find out if I'll be teaching KG1 or KG2 and in what school I'll be teaching, (everyone: please pray that I don't have to drive to far to work). KG1 would be considered preschool in the US since the students will be 3-4 years old. KG2 would be considered kindergarten in the US since the students are 4-5 years old. What's great about teaching KG is that we will be teaching along an Arabic teacher and the students leave at 12:30 p.m. To make things even better we were told by our presenter/instructor that the students play most of the day! I'm sure she meant active learning, lol. I also found out that the classroom size is around 30 students! Wow, I know I'm going to be tired after work each day!
       On the first day we were also shown an animated video of what the government hopes Abu Dhabi will be in 2030. Apart from their education reform they want the city have massive public transit, be green, and many other things. I was extremely impressed. I can't wait to see how Abu Dhabi will look like in 2 years. During the presentations we had a very important local speak about the education reform. From what he said I was very impressed at how much they embrace their culture, traditions, and language. They want their students to be taught in English by foreigners but also want to keep their culture. I really respect and admire that.
       It was made very clear that they expect us to be very discrete about what we share regarding our jobs. Most importantly, they do not want us to post on any social network pictures of our students and classrooms. Therefore I wont be able to share much on this site.

       The remainder of the week I spent looking for furniture and appliances. I must say that the style over here is very different from the US. It has been a bit hard finding simple things. A lot of the furniture is very loud and busy. Take a look at some pics. I'll make sure to post some more later!

This is a live size horse lamp!

This is a refrigerator with flowers and crystals on the door handles. 

 

 

       I'm pretty sure that most of you are aware that it is VERY HOT here. With that being said, I cannot believe I'm still wearing soo much clothes! Just when I was beginning to think that I was crazy for bringing two pairs of Ugg boots I'm now thankful that I did. Because it is very hot the AC is always on full blast wherever you go. during orientation I made sure to wear leggings under my skirt and to take a pair of socks and extra sweater. I was freezing! I'll make sure to take a pair of boots and keep them in my classroom for future use.
       We have been eating out a bit since we have arrived and let me tell you the food is not the only thing that is different. As women we are not allowed to sit where ever we want. We have a designated area that is labeled Family area. At first I couldn't believe it, lol, but then we simply asked a waiter if we couldn't sit downstairs because we're women. He smiled and said yes. Right now I'm in the honeymoon stage of culture shock but know that soon this will be something that will bother me!!