Local teachers build a life in the UAE amid regional tensions

For many young professionals from the Lowveld, the decision to leave South Africa is not taken lightly. We have corresponded with a couple of Barbertonians that have made a new life overseas to find out what the ups and downs are and if the grass is indeed greener on the other side of the ocean. A number or articles will be published over the next couple of weeks telling their stories.

For Reenen and Kamille Louw, the move became a turning point that reshaped both their careers and their outlook on the future.

The couple left South Africa in August 2023 in search of greater financial stability and professional growth. As qualified teachers, they found themselves struggling to make ends meet despite full-time employment, a situation that ultimately pushed them to explore opportunities abroad.

“We were tired of living from pay check to pay check,” they explained. “We wanted better financial opportunities and a more stable lifestyle.”

Their journey led them to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country known for its strong education sector and large international expatriate community. The UAE’s central location also appealed to them, making travel to other countries far more accessible while still keeping South Africa within an eight-hour flight.

Since arriving, the Louws have been working as elementary homeroom teachers, teaching subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social and Moral Studies. Their roles are similar to foundation phase teaching in South Africa, but the cultural environment has been dramatically different.

At their current school, students represent many different nationalities, exposing the couple to an educational setting far more diverse than anything they had previously experienced.

“This has helped us grow as teachers,” they said. “We’ve been able to work with different curricula, including South African, British, and American systems, which has expanded our skills and experience.”

While the move brought clear professional and financial advantages, the emotional cost of living abroad has been significant. The couple admits that being far from home means missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other important family milestones. They have also had to cope with illness and loss in the family from a distance, one of the most difficult realities of expatriate life.

They also miss the familiar comforts of home, from South African food to the country’s natural landscapes. Yet a strong South African community in the UAE has helped ease homesickness and allowed them to maintain a connection to their roots. Living in the UAE also provides the opportunity to explore other countries that would not have been possible from South Africa.

Despite current tensions in the Gulf region, the Louws say they still feel safe where they are. The UAE has implemented extensive security measures and maintains advanced defense systems that intercept incoming threats.

As a precaution during recent regional unrest, schools across the UAE temporarily shifted to online learning to ensure the safety of both students and staff, a move that directly affected the couple’s teaching routine.

“We sometimes hear loud bangs, which can feel unsettling,” they explained, referring to missile interceptions. “But we are in a safe area and life in most parts of the UAE is continuing as normal.”

Their school management has maintained regular communication and check-ins, something they say has made a significant difference during uncertain times.

Although some expatriates have chosen to return to their home countries, the Louws are not currently planning to leave the UAE. They believe the situation is being managed effectively and say they feel supported both by their employer and the broader community.

For now, their focus remains on building their careers and gaining international experience. While they have not ruled out returning to South Africa one day, they say the timing would need to be right.

“South Africa will always be our home,” they said. “We will always return to visit, even if we don’t move back permanently.”

Their story reflects a broader reality for many families in Barberton and across the Lowveld: the search for opportunity is increasingly global, but emotional ties to home remain as strong as ever.