Program Overview
The NYU Abu Dhabi Summer Academy is an 18-month university preparation program designed to enhance the academic profiles of highly motivated Emirati high school students. The program features intensive instruction in Leadership and Public Speaking, Critical Thinking and Writing, Mathematical Reasoning for the Sciences, College Readiness and Success, and IELTS Preparation over the course of two summers and an intervening academic year.
Following a competitive admissions process, up to 90 program participants are selected each year as recipients of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarships for Outstanding High School Students, which enables them to attend the Summer Academy.
Students are exposed to a rich cultural and rigorous academic program which enhances their ability to gain admission to and perform well at top-tier English-language universities. The program begins during the summer following the 10th year of high school and continues for the following 18 months, with two intensive summer sessions of study in Abu Dhabi at the NYUAD Campus. In addition, students participate in online study and academic refresher weekends during the following academic year.
Program Goals
University Preparation
Students gain the academic, cultural, and social skills necessary for success at top-tier universities. Summer Academy graduates have attended Yale, NYU New York, NYU Abu Dhabi, Princeton, United Arab Emirates University, The London School of Economics, George Washington University, King’s College London, The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and many others.
Academic Preparation
We introduce students to accelerated study of mathematics, critical thinking and writing, the humanities, and to the value of a liberal arts education.
Cultural Awareness
Students develop their understanding of the social and cultural norms of universities and build useful intercultural competencies for success in university.
Test Preparation
We prepare students to excel on the standardized tests necessary for university entry.
Leadership and Public Speaking Skills
With Leadership and Public Speaking as a required course in the Summer Academy, our program spurs confidence, personal growth, maturity, and leadership skills.
Social Networking
We bring together top students from across the UAE who form a supportive and challenging social network among themselves and with Summer Academy alumni who have gone on to university study, graduate school, professions, and leadership careers.
Job Summary
The Teaching Assistant for the Critical Thinking and Writing (CTW) course will support course delivery for up to two sections of Summer Academy students - students in their first summer of the program and students in their second summer of the program (Summer I and Summer II). The Teaching Assistant will also support programmatic activities throughout the length of the appointment (including weekends) and participate in selection activities and graduation events as needed.
Length of Appointment
- Approximately two to three mandatory meetings before the summer session starts for orientation activities
- Summer Session duration: Five weeks from approximately July 4 to August 6, 2027
Principal Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of the CTW course for two sections - the Classes of 2027 (Summer II) and 2028 (Summer I) in Abu Dhabi
- Under the supervision of the CTW specialist(s), meet students individually or in small groups during study halls, meals, breaks, or in the evenings to assist with reviewing classroom instruction, reading, writing, and homework assignments
- Attend all pre-program meetings and/or training sessions
- Assist the CTW specialist(s) in class with group work and with judging presentations, as necessary
- Be available to individual students and groups in need of assistance, as well as to specialists undertaking cross-curricular or collaborative projects
- Provide students with ongoing and regular feedback (oral and written) during the course
- Participate in faculty meetings by providing detailed feedback on student progress
- Report any instances of student misconduct, academic performance concerns, or health issues to the Summer Academy administration
- Contribute to the overall collegial atmosphere of the Summer Academy
- Attend and provide assistance as needed with co-curricular events and activities throughout the summer session, which will entail leading small groups of students on excursions and trips, or supporting the operations of the program as needed
- Oversee and support students during assigned day trips, extracurricular evening activities, and events, ensuring a safe and engaging environment that promotes learning and development
About NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.
Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.
Qualifications
- The candidate is a UAE citizen or a UAE residence visa holder.
- Eligible for an NOC letter from the current employer/sponsor (if applicable) permitting the candidate to teach/work at NYUAD.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training
- Bachelor’s degree in English or a related subject
- Availability to teach in Abu Dhabi during the dates listed above
- Ability to provide some online instruction during the dates listed above, if necessary
Preferred Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training
- High-school or college-level experience teaching in English
- Bachelor's degree and teaching assistant experience for university students
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in English or related subject
Required Work and Related Experience
- Demonstrated experience in tutoring English or related subjects
- Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching in cross-cultural or global learning environments.
- Experience supervising high school students in a co-curricular setting (i.e. school or after-school program)
- Availability to assist with the planning of the program prior to the start of classes
Preferred Work and Related Experience
- Work or internship experience teaching English as an additional language
- Familiarity with online and face-to-face instruction
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae in PDF format. For instructions and information on how to apply, please visit our website at https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/academic-support.html. If you have any questions, please email nyuad.sa.positions@nyu.edu. For more information about the program, please visit: www.nyuad.nyu.edu/summer.academy.
NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.
Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.
Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.
NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.