Hello! My name is Marian Kayad, and I’m a former primary school teacher with experience in the UK, Dubai, and Qatar. In 2018, I began my first NQT role in an outstanding school in Birmingham. From the outset, the experience was far more challenging than I had anticipated. My mentor, who was meant to guide and support me, was highly critical and often dismissive. Lessons I had carefully planned were routinely questioned in front of students, sometimes with no constructive feedback or guidance on how to improve. I was frequently expected to follow instructions without explanation, and when I made small mistakes like mismanaging time during a maths lesson or struggling to get all students engaged, I was met with harsh criticism rather than support. There were days when I was given conflicting advice from my mentor and left unsure of which approach to take, which created anxiety every time I stepped into the classroom. The combination of high expectations, inconsistent guidance, constant scrutiny quickly became overwhelming and I eventually had to take mental health leave.
During that time, I questioned whether I was even cut out for teaching. Every lesson plan felt like a test I was destined to fail, and my confidence was at an all-time low. I doubted my abilities, my instincts, and even my passion for the profession. It felt as though I was carrying the weight of failure before I had even truly begun.
While on leave, I began exploring teaching opportunities in the Middle East. At first, just out of curiosity and with no real expectation of success. On a whim, I submitted an application and was invited to interview. I assumed the interview would simply be practice so I approached it casually, relaxed and confident with my answers. I drew on everything I knew about teaching, especially how to deliver an outstanding lesson and answer common interview questions. One of the questions was, “How would you feel about taking on an all-girls Year 6 class?” I explained that I was quite familiar with teaching Year 6s during my training and it actually sounded like a dream role. After the interview, I didn’t think much of it and simply continued with my life, never imagining it would actually turn into an offer. To my surprise, just a few days later, I was offered my first international teaching post in Dubai. The idea of relocating was daunting. I was nervous, unsure and even considered turning the role down. But after a heart-to-heart with my best friend, who reminded me that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, I decided to take the leap. In January 2020, I began teaching Year 6 in a British International school in Dubai. Just two months later, the pandemic hit, forcing me to adapt to remote teaching. What initially seemed like an enormous challenge quickly became a revelation. I discovered that I thrived when working creatively and independently, finding new ways to engage students and support their learning. For the first time, teaching felt energising again, I had found a sense of confidence, freedom and fulfilment that I hadn’t experienced in my first NQT year.
Eighteen months later, I accepted a teaching role in Qatar, taking on a Year 3 mixed class. Little did I know, this class would present more challenges than any I had ever faced. There was no structure, no behaviour management, no control and little respect for the teacher. On top of that, the parents were far more challenging to work with than in my previous roles. Compared to my experience in Dubai, it felt like another culture shock entirely. The school itself was still developing and didn’t have many of the resources or systems that international schools now offer in the region so I had to adapt quickly and find ways to manage a classroom that initially felt completely out of control. To turn things around, I implemented a structured routine and reinforced consistent behaviour management strategies. I worked closely with the school counsellor, parents, the senior leadership team, putting children on behaviour plans and communicating regularly with parents about their children’s progress and challenges. I also carefully structured lessons to ensure engagement and stability. It took weeks of persistent effort, daily reflection and collaboration before the class finally had a working routine and a respectful, manageable learning environment. Though my time there was only six months, the experience taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability and problem-solving, skills every teacher needs when relocating abroad. It also highlighted the challenges teachers face when there is limited guidance: navigating new school cultures, managing difficult parents and building functional classroom systems in unfamiliar environments. I wished I had a mentor to guide me through the journey, providing honest, practical advice every step of the way. That insight became the foundation for Ventured Teaching, where I now help teachers navigate these challenges with clarity, confidence and support.
That’s why I created Ventured Teaching, to provide the guidance I wish I’d had when navigating the complex journey of teaching abroad. My goal is to offer honest support, personalised one-to-one mentoring, and a community where teachers feel informed, confident, and fully prepared at every stage of their relocation.
Since founding Ventured Teaching, I’ve supported dozens of passionate educators in securing teaching roles across the Middle East, removing the guesswork, reducing stress and helping them approach the process with clarity and confidence. Becoming a full-time mentor has been the most fulfilling work of my life. I approach mentoring the way I approach teaching: with honesty, practicality and a focus on tangible results. I love sharing my experiences, providing actionable guidance and building a supportive community of educators navigating the challenges of international teaching.
My journey has taught me that true growth comes through challenge, and that taking a leap even when uncertain can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. If you’re a teacher ready to take the leap abroad, I can guide you every step of the way from your first application to settling into life overseas so you feel prepared, supported and confident throughout your entire journey.
At Ventured Teaching, our mission is to empower educators to take their careers abroad with confidence and clarity. We provide honest, expert guidance and personalised support to help teachers secure rewarding roles across the Middle East. We pride ourselves on transparency, so you always know exactly what to expect. Every teacher’s journey is unique, and our support is tailored to your individual goals. We focus on building your confidence and skills, preparing you to thrive in an international teaching environment. We also foster a community of like-minded educators, giving you insight, encouragement and a network of support. With Venture Teaching, you’re not just applying for a job, you’re embarking on a supported, inspiring and transformative teaching journey.
At Ventured Teaching, we are guided by honesty, personalised support, empowerment and community. We provide transparent advice, tailor our guidance to your individual journey, build your confidence to succeed abroad and connect you with like-minded educators for insight and encouragement.
We support educators at every stage of their career from newly qualified teachers to experienced professionals whether you are relocating solo, with a partner or with your family. We understand the challenges of moving abroad for work and are here to make the process clear, confident and achievable.
Through personalised mentorship, CV and cover letter editing, interview coaching, relocation guidance and access to an exclusive community of international educators, we help teachers navigate every stage of applying for and securing a teaching role abroad.
With Ventured Teaching, you’re not just applying for a job, you’re embarking on a supported, inspiring and well-prepared teaching journey. We are committed to helping you find the right school, the right role and the confidence to thrive in a new international setting.
We’d love to hear from you!
Take the first step toward your dream teaching role by exploring our individual and package support options today. Whether you have questions about our services or want to discuss teaching opportunities abroad, we’re here to help. Reach out to us directly, and a member of our team will guide you through the next steps in your journey. Prefer to message us online? Simply fill out the contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
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