From Nepal to the U.A.E: My journey as an M.O.E (Ministry of Education, UAE) licensed Teacher
My name is Sanjaya Ban, and I proudly carry the title of licensed M.O.E elementary teacher and have been working for a reputed American curriculum school here in Dubai, UAE, since 2019. With a background in Microbiology and a Master of Arts in Child Development, my journey into teaching has been one of passion and purpose. I also graduated from the University of East London with a postgraduate qualification in primary education, which gave me additional perspective and enriched my teaching philosophies and practices. Teaching has always been my passion, and the U.A.E. has offered me an incredible platform to nurture young minds while growing both professionally and personally.

Arriving in the UAE: A Leap of Faith
In 2019, I arrived in the U.A.E with a heart full of hope and determination. I wanted to gain international experience in education and immerse myself in a dynamic, multicultural environment. The idea of teaching in the U.A.E resonated deeply with the opportunity to shape young lives while learning about a diverse culture was convincing. However, my initial days were marked by uncertainty and excitement. I was stepping into the unknown, eager to prove my worth and make a meaningful impact.

Finding My First Opportunity
Leaving Nepal and coming to the U.A.E was a tough decision. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and leaving behind everything familiar to embrace an uncertain future. I had no prior experience with the U.A.E. education system, lack of guidance, and availability of limited information which made finding my first job a daunting challenge. Getting my first job in the U.A.E. was not easy. Online applications yielded no results, and I realized I needed to take a different approach. I decided to visit schools directly, a bold move that required both courage and determination.

Navigating the unfamiliar curriculum and teaching methodologies was a difficult task. However, my hard work paid off when an American school in Ajman called me for an interview and a demo class. Within a day, I received an offer. The journey was far from easy, but every struggle made the success even more meaningful.

Overcoming Challenges
Starting afresh in a new country came with its challenges. Understanding the U.A.E culture and adapting to its education system were significant hurdles. Thankfully, I had the support of wonderful colleagues who mentored me through the transition. They taught me the aspects of the American curriculum, which was an entirely new framework for me. Their guidance was invaluable during my initial months.

Another struggle was the emotional toll of being away from my family. In those moments, I realized that strangers often become family when you are far from home. Their kindness and encouragement kept me grounded and focused on my goals.

Turning Points and Milestones
A pivotal moment in my career was becoming a licensed M.O.E. teacher. This achievement opened doors to more opportunities and marked a significant milestone in my professional journey. Additionally, earning the “Best Teacher” award multiple times fueled my motivation to excel further. These recognitions, coupled with the support of my husband, inspired me to pursue a postgraduate degree in education while balancing work and motherhood. The journey was tough, but the rewards were worth every effort.

Growing and Exploring Opportunities
After spending three years in my first school, I sought new challenges to expand my horizons. Applying to schools in Dubai, I was fortunate to join a reputed American curriculum school where I continue to teach elementary science. With a competitive salary range reflecting my experience and qualifications, my current role allows me to blend my passion for teaching with my expertise in child development, creating engaging and impactful learning experiences for my students.

Advice for Aspiring Educators
To anyone aspiring to pursue a career abroad or facing challenges in their journey, my advice is simple: never let others define your path. Trust your intuition, stay resilient, and work tirelessly towards your dreams. If you wish to be an educator in the U.A.E, make yourself acquainted with the U.A.E education laws, requirements, and eligibility criteria outlined on the M.O.E website. Attestation, equivalency of your degree and getting a teacher’s license in U.A.E are essential steps. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn; I am happy to guide new aspiring educators.

Why I Love Teaching in the U.A.E
The U.A.E’s inclusive and multicultural environment is one of the primary reasons I love teaching here. The education system’s focus on innovation, creativity, and holistic development aligns with my teaching philosophy. The opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds enriches my perspective and keeps me inspired every day.

The Road Ahead
My current focus is to continue excelling as an elementary science teacher, leveraging my skills and experiences to make a lasting impact on my students’ lives. The U.A.E has been a land of opportunities for me, and I am determined to keep growing, learning, and contributing to the field of education.

My journey from Nepal to the U.A.E has been one of transformation and growth. It is a testament to self-belief and passion. To anyone reading this, remember: your journey is unique, and your dreams are valid. Stay committed, stay inspired, and success will follow.