This month, we’ll share our schedule of upcoming webinars for educators hoping to teach abroad. We’ll also give teachers an overview of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month that began early in July. Our country spotlight for July is Kazakhstan.
Teach Away Webinars
In order to improve the ways we provide our teachers with information, Teach Away is offering webinars to educators hoping to teach abroad. These interactive sessions give you the chance to ask your questions to Teach Away representatives, and deliver visual and audio content about teaching, job hunting, and living abroad.
Webinars are free to attend and open to anyone interested in teaching overseas someday. Reminders will appear on the Teach Away Facebook page, Google+ page, and Twitter page on the days leading up to the webinars, so follow us for updates! Webinar Schedule for August:
August 14, 5 pm Eastern Time (New York/Toronto) Register online: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/928765392 If you’re looking for a little more information about what it’s like to teach in the UAE, then this webinar is for you. Join us to find out some more about moving to and living in the UAE, teaching abroad, traveling in the Middle East, and hear from some of our teachers who are currently in the UAE.
August 28, 5 pm Eastern Time (New York/Toronto) Register online: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/494942656 Applying for a teaching position can be stressful. Join us for some great tips about how to succeed with a complete profile, impressive resume and well written cover letter, as well as effective preparation for interviews.
Ramadan: An Overview
This month marked the beginning of Ramadan in the Islamic world. Many of our teachers who will be moving overseas next year have asked about Ramadan, so read on for a guide. Ramadan basics: Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month for prayer, charity, and fasting. The Ramadan fast restricts Muslims from eating or drinking from dawn until dusk. Each night, families and communities break their fast with a meal known as iftar. Though Westerners often associate Ramadan only with fasting, Muslims also focus on the importance of charity and generosity. Many volunteer in their communities and make donations of food, clothing, or time.
The calendar: The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, which means that the dates shift forward each year by about 11 days. In addition, some countries differ by one or two days in their observance of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is being observed from sunset on July 8th – August 7th (or July 9th – August 8th). Changes to daily life: If you are in a country where Ramadan is observed, you’ll want to keep in mind that businesses and government offices will usually hold shorter work days. This will affect the speed at which business is done, and will change the timing of rush hours and other busy times of day. Showing respect: Expectations of foreign visitors will vary depending on the country. At a minimum, you should refrain from eating or drinking in public, and keep in mind that many people around you are spending their days without food or water. In some countries, all restaurants will close during the day. Other countries might cater to foreign visitors by keeping restaurants open, although patrons will usually be served indoors. Use common sense and observe the actions of those around you. It’s better to err on the side of caution than risk coming off as disrespectful. What to say: “Ramadan Kareem” and “Ramadan Mubarak” are phrases used as greetings. It’s also fine to say “Happy Ramadan” in English. Ramadan ends in a festival known as Eid al-Fitr. To celebrate the end of Ramadan, you can greet people with “Eid Mubarak!”
Country Spotlight: Kazakhstan
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is a beautiful country for intrepid travelers. The world’s ninth-largest country, it is largely unexplored by foreign visitors, but boasts an array of stunning natural scenery, including snowy mountains, open deserts, and rocky canyons. Kazakhstan is culturally and ethnically diverse, and as a result, people in Kazakhstan are generally known for being tolerant and respectful. Roughly two-thirds of the population speaks Kazakh, though almost everyone speaks Russian, which is also an official language of Kazakhstan. English is slowly becoming more common as the country works to expand its English-language education. Teachers in Kazakhstan can be placed in many cities across the country. Visit the chic cafes of Almaty, the nation’s largest city, or explore the diverse influences in the capital city of Astana. Visitors can travel the famous Silk Road, hike mountains and canyons, and explore vast northern glaciers. Teach Away has a number of new positions in Kazakhstan, both in public and private schools. Teaching jobs in Kazakhstan offer competitive salaries with excellent benefits, including accommodation, health care, and generous vacation time. Interested candidates can learn more about teaching in Kazakhstan and about teaching in Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, an elite network of publicly funded schools throughout the country.
