Problems Encountered by Filipino Educators in United Arab Emirates: Their Effects on Service Commitment

This study determined the problems encountered by Filipino educators in UAE. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in the study. The respondents were forty-five (45) Filipino educators teaching in public and private schools in UAE. Most of them were females, aged 31 – 40 years old, earned a degree in Education, and taught either in elementary or high school. Majority had a monthly salary of P20, 001.00 – 30,000.00 and enjoyed such as tax free salary, yearly round trip tickets, health insurance, housing allowance, and free resident visa/family visa. The nationalities of the heads of offices were Egyptians, Jordanians, Filipinos, Americans, Arabs, and British. Filipino educators in UAE found their teaching job economically beneficial as their remittances sustain the standard of living of their family. However, teaching in a cross-cultural place is challenging as the teachers experience limitations and problems. Foremost, the students’ behaviours especially superiority complex is a major. Cultural adjustment is another serious problem. Inspite of the problems experienced, the educators’ extent of service commitment in terms of work ethics, job participation and involvement, continuance, and affective dimension ais not affected. Support system enhances the teachers’ extent of service commitment. In view of the conclusion, it is recommended that the schools strengthen their guidance program to address students’ behavioural problems as well as to facilitate cultural adjustment among faculty and students.

 

Keywords - Problems encountered, Filipino educators, United Arab Emirates, Service Commitment