Abu Dhabi bound
Last week, I accepted an offer to teach journalism at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I’ll be an assistant professor at the female campus of the university’s College of Communication and Media Sciences. I’ll be teaching three classes per semester to undergraduates, although I’m not sure of the subjects yet. (I should be finished with my PhD in Public Communication at the end of this month.)
The whole family is coming along, of course. The kids will go to a private school (hopefully this one), and my wife, Ann, will be writing her dissertation and completing a PhD in Education Policy. We have already made some great ex-pat friends who teach at the university — spent time with them in Cairo last November. They will help make the transition easier.
We’re looking forward to visiting a side of the world that the family’s never seen. We’ll be a relatively short plane ride away from Cairo, Istanbul, Nairobi, Bombay, and Athens. There’s plenty to see in the UAE as well — the tallest building in the world in Dubai, the Liwa Oasis, and great scuba diving in the Persian Gulf. Neighboring Oman also seems to be pretty welcoming. And, from Abu Dhabi, trips to Southeast Asia, South Africa and even the South Pacific, don’t seem quite as far.
We plan on living in Abu Dhabi for three years. I’ll have to stay out of the U.S. the first year for 336 days to establish non-residency status and avoid paying U.S. taxes on my salary — a major perk of the job. We plan to rent our house in Roswell/Marietta and move back into it upon our return. Our oldest daughter, Lydia, will be a freshman in high school when we move back in 2014. My son, Jake, will be entering 7th grade.
So, we’re looking forward to this grand adventure. We’ll be heading out sometime in August. Will be sure to post lots of pictures and keep my eight loyal readers appraised of our movements.
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Matt, what an adventure! Congratulations on this great opportunity! I see it being an amazing journey for you. Wow! Enjoy to the fullest!
Fantastic! What a tremendous opportunity! Don't forget to stop at the duty free shop on the way over—not too many liquor stores over there.
That is awesome Mr. Duffy. Congratulations!
Wow!! That is really neat!! Hope you'll keep us updated on everything that goes on in teaching in a different country.
I am so excited for you Mr. Duffy!
Congrats, you got it. Good luck!
When do you and your family leave for Abu Dhabi?
Wow! Congrats to you!
Wow, Matt! That's such a cool opportunity. For you and your family! Congrats!
Congratulations, Matt! I know you are so excited!
Associate prof.? Wow! That's a big deal. Congratulations, my friend!
I hope the kids get into that school too! Have you checked out the cafeteria menus? WOW!!!
Congrats, Matt! This is very exciting news.
Congratulations, Matt! What an adventure!
are you sure Lydia does not have to wear a Burka?
Congrats, Matty. May wonderful experiences light your and the family's future.
You don't have to stay out of the US 365. You can come back for about 35 days, I think.
I can’t wait to see the pictures. Make sure you keep us updated.
Congrats! It’s good that you know some people already working there–that’ll make things a lot easier. I believe it’s about an hour by air to Nairobi–the kids would love a tour of the Maasai Mara.
Incredible journey. Good luck; have fun (as I know you will). You’ve come a long way!
The trip of a lifetime!!