Lina Naja–Graduate–ISC KOURA

We former Choueifat students are extremely proud of ISC-Koura. Now that we have transitioned to the college phase of our lives, we have come to fully realize the true value of all that our school did for us in terms of preparation.
When we were in our SABIS school, our teachers helped us in so many different ways:
Not only did they prepare us academically, but they also acted as our friends, counselors and confidantes, giving freely of their own time whenever it was required. Also, the quality of our Choueifat education has become very evident here in college. I am finding my 3rd level Math, Chemistry and Biology courses to be so easy because of all the main work in these subjects having been previously done in Choueifat. I really wish our former ISC-Koura teachers could teach us again in college!
Another debt of gratitude that I owe to Choueifat is the way that it enabled me to learn languages so quickly. When I first came to ISC-Koura and entered grade 6, I could not speak any English and had only basic Arabic but I quickly gained quite a high level of proficiency in both.
All in all, I am very proud of what I have achieved and am deeply grateful to Choueifat and everyone who works there for having helped me so much.

ISC MUSCAT- Parents

Mrs. Raghida Fakhreddine Dakdouk (Biology Coordinator & 1972 ISC graduate)

It sounds lucky that three generations thrive in one place. I enrolled in the National School of Choueifat, as it was known then, as a secondary student, had the chance to lead a successful teaching career, and -above all- granted my children Walid, Omar and Soumar Dakdouk the chance of a good education , the best I could contribute to ensure their path to a secure future.

I have always wanted to be a doctor but I was not granted this wish, yet my choice of career as a teacher has actually helped me make up for this dream. I truly experience great satisfaction when I see how successfully my students have made their way as they had planned. Thanks to my esteemed teachers,
and above all my biology teacher , the late and dear Mr. Riad Salibi , I enjoy a great sense of achievement as I model their message of dedication to help make a visible difference in my students’ academic and social lives.

ISC Choueifat-Randa Basho

When I first joined SABIS, about 19 months ago, I was overwhelmed by the size, scope, and pace of its operations. However, what overwhelmed me even more, was the spirit and enthusiasm of all those who have been working within the system and who have given it their very best for many years. I was lucky to have been given the opportunity to work directly with such people, because, I can honestly say, I learned more in a few months with and from them, than I could have learned over a few years other where…

Maya Alam ( ISC Choueifat Infants AQC – 2004/2005)

To say it simply, my experience at SABIS has been exceptional. The knowledge I gained, the skills I acquired and not to mention the very special relationships I made with students, staff and parents have allowed me to grow, develop and become a more confident and professional person who knows what it means to succeed in today’s workplace.

Everything I know today, I have learnt from SABIS…I left with nothing but great memories and a huge sense of completion.

ISC Choueifat, Lebanon- Parents-Mr. & Mrs. Zakaib

The most beautiful aspect that we have found about ISC is that the learning experience of the students and learning outcomes are always the focus of this school.

(parents of Mahvish G9IP & Mohsen G5)

Neil Rossouw, English Teacher, MHS Al Ain

I am an English teacher and started working for the Military High School at this year’s Summer School in Bath, England. I fell in love with the school and the students from the first day and as a result decided to come to the UAE to work with these exceptional students and staff.

Being far away from my family and loved ones in South Africa, it feels as if the school is my new family.

Having taught English for many years in different countries and also in the UAE before, I believe that our students’ English ability is really comparing well with other schools and improving by the day.

I don’t think we always realize what an amazing accomplishment it is for English Second Language users to study all secondary school subjects in English. What makes it even more impressive, is the fact that our students are not only passing the very hard examinations, but are in fact excelling and achieving good results.

We are also very privileged working at a Military High School where we get so much support from Military staff and officers on a daily basis. We really appreciate their professionalism with regards to dealing with academic matters and students throughout the year.

Finally, I want to thank SABIS(R) for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious organization and team. I have been welcomed and looked after by all the staff from the start. In my experience, SABIS(R) offers learners a unique curriculum of the highest standard shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The teachers are also very dedicated and determined to make learning an effective and productive experience, but more importantly to inspire and positively shape the lives of the students.

I am really blessed to work in the UAE and to be part of its amazing culture. I hope working for SABIS is the beginning of a long partnership.

Neil Rossouw, English Teacher, South Africa

 

Jolanta Duggan-English Teacher (MHS AL AIN)

Having taught English for over thirteen years in European schools, I was initially surprised at the rigidity of the SABIS® System teaching methodology here in the Middle East. This method was something completely new and took a little time to get used to. The weekly workload was also quite high, which required thorough lesson preparation and efficient course delivery. Regular student and staff assessments meant that course quality was being maintained. Also, the high level of involvement from the senior management was something I had not experienced at any of my previous schools. Having completed over three years now in the SABIS® System (with hopefully many more to come), I now feel a more confident and professional individual. My experiences with SABIS® have been both demanding and enjoyable. I really appreciate the friendly staff that is always there to help regardless. SABIS® is a company that rewards good workers, plus future career prospects are available all over the world. If you thrive on new experiences and are prepared to work hard for just rewards, then I recommend you contact the SABIS® Recruitment Team and come join us today. I look forward to meeting you!

Laura Quinn International School of Choueifat Ruwais

My name is Laura Quinn. I spent two years teaching within the Sabis system in the International School of Choueifat in Ruwais. I decided to apply for a teaching job in the Middle East after I graduated from college. I have always known that teaching is my vocation and as my mother’s occupation is that of a childminder, I have always been exposed to children, their needs and development.

I can whole-heartedly say that I spent two very enjoyable years in Ruwais. On securing the position I was very excited for the opportunity yet I was filled with anxiety of the unknown as it was my first teaching job.

Ruwais was not what I had expected at all. Arriving there in August, the town was very quiet with very few people present. We were informed that most families travel home during August and they would be returning again soon. It took a month to get properly settled in with the shock of the climate, the food and the culture.

During the training weeks we were extremely well looked after and cared for. The guidance and materials provided more than prepared us for the classroom experience and the implementation of the points system. The accommodation provided to us was second to none and I believe the living arrangements hugely facilitated the task of making friends and settling in.

Teaching within the Sabis system proved to be a very worthwhile experience and further re-affirmed that teaching is what I want to do. I must admit during the training weeks that I was slightly taken back at the system used by Sabis. I couldn’t see how the points system and the assessment procedures would be successful with such young children. However by November the value and worth of the system could be seen. The individual needs of each student are catered for and children who need extra support and tuition are provided for. I believe the continuous visits of the AQC to our classes further facilitated our developments as teachers. The positive feedback and support provided to teachers I feel is the key to the success of this system. While in Ruwais I also had the opportunity to teach English to the local Arab women. This opportunity I was very grateful for. I got to learn some local Arab customs, I gave these women an opportunity to further their education and I also made friends with them.

I wish to return to Abu Dhabi and in particular to Choueifat because I have come to love Abu Dhabi, the locals, the ex-pats and the way of life. The work being done within the Sabis system is tremendous and it’s the students who reap the benefits. I was working in an environment where I never felt afraid to ask for help or advice. The support I received and enjoyment felt while working for Choueifat I am very grateful for and wish to repay everyone who provided me with the opportunity by working for and being a successful part of such a great system.

Name: Laura Quinn Nationality: Irish Location: Ruwais

Duration: 2 years School: International School of Choueifat

Linda Fayyad, 23yrs old, American recruit

 

How I became part of “THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHOUEIFAT, UAE, QATAR, OMAN & BAHRAIN” team.

I graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 2007 with a degree in History and Psychology. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but for which level of education I still was not sure. So I decided to take a year off and not continue with a Master’s degree until I really knew what I wanted to do.

During one of my last summer courses in college I saw a poster for THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHOUEIFAT, UAE, QATAR, OMAN & BAHRAIN and it really intrigued me to dig a little deeper. So I emailed them. They got back to me very quickly. They ask you for all your information and background checks to make sure you are who you say you are. But the most interesting was the first phone interview. They ask you questions of course but then you also gain so much more information as well. I think I asked about everything and anything, from the work I would be doing, to all the personal things I would be doing out of work.

After the first interview, they arranged a face to face meeting. For me it was in New York City. I didn’t know what to expect because from the phone interview I felt as though I gained all the information that I needed to make my decision and vice-versa. So I went and I met Mr. Sean Cooney for the first time and similar questions were asked but I felt a real connection this time. Like …ok this is really happening, I would be moving away from all I have ever known, a new system of life in many aspects. At the end I signed and was convinced this school was for me. It was then I realized how exciting and how difficult this was going to be for me.

The interviews were over and the real work began. The final touches you would say in “closing the deal”. I had to go to Washington D.C to arrange some paper work. Then I had to go on a shopping frenzy. I wanted to take as much as I could so that I didn’t have to buy anything for a while until I learned about the area I was living in. For a few weeks or so communication was quite and I started to have doubts, maybe I rushed, maybe I shouldn’t go, for what! Am I nuts?! How will I survive away from home? The emotions would come and go. Until the ticket came and a comforting email was sent stating “don’t panic” yeah I was so calm at this point. No but seriously I was elated to actually go. After the months of paper work and running around I was on my way.

Once I arrived I didn’t feel so alone. I met many of my colleagues who had to do the same to get here. The system of recruitment works, I felt alone in my decision but once here and the induction process began I settled in quickly and the detachment feeling went away.

Linda Fayyad, 23yrs old, American recruit.