Site Search:
 
Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Teaching in Al-Ain

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> United Arab Emirates
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Skywalker25



Joined: 07 Jun 2003
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 8:57 am    Post subject: Teaching in Al-Ain Reply with quote

Hi,

I have just signed a contract with the Madar International school in Al-Ain. It is a school run through a company called Edugates. I was wondering if anyone new anything about the school, how it is it run etc.

This is my first time working in the Middle East, and I am a bit concerned with the school screwing me over. Any information would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone live in Al-Ain? What is it like and is there a lot to do there?

Thanks Guys Surprised
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
MindTraveller



Joined: 13 Mar 2003
Posts: 89
Location: Oman

PostPosted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 7:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Al Ain is a pretty nice place to live, although the traffic jams have certainly increased over the years.

There are two movie theatres, with up-to-date movies. There's a Carrefore (French hypermarket - grocery and department store in one) outside town with Western food. There are two Choitham stores (spelling? - a British store). The local Spinney's is closing the end of this month. Quite a few shopping malls too.

The weather is dry - without the humidity in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It's VERY green, with trees and grass.

There are lots of ex-pats there, ex-pat clubs, an Intercontential and Hilton and other 5-star hotels with gyms, saunas, international restaurants, bars, etc.

It's about a 1.5 hour drive to Abu Dhabi or Dubai - which have better movies than you'll get in Al Ain. These two cities have what Al Ain doesn't have - plus a lot more traffic.

All in all, if you get a decent salary and your job is okay, IMHO, Al Ain is one of the ideal locations overseas.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Skywalker25



Joined: 07 Jun 2003
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 1:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey thanks for the reply.

I feel a lot better about the place now.

cheers
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
hmbaba



Joined: 06 Apr 2003
Posts: 37

PostPosted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 5:52 pm    Post subject: Teaching in Al Ain Reply with quote

Hi,
I'll second the comments made by MindTraveller.
I lived in AA for 6 years and only left last year - I've never heard of your school - is it new?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 5:22 am    Post subject: al ain Reply with quote

Al Ain is nice but I have reservations about the school. I have never heard of it. A friend who taught in a boys' secondary school in Al Ain left after one month because it was so horrific. And this guy is a tough nut who has taught in some tough schools in many different countries.

So be careful ! Check it out !


Last edited by scot47 on Mon Jun 16, 2003 6:25 am; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:30 pm    Post subject: I second that one Reply with quote

I agree with Scot47 about cause for concern.

Added to the fact that hmbaba has never heard of this school and lived there a year ago is worrisome. Al Ain is pretty small and if someone who has lived there for six years has never heard of a place, I would definitely insist on corresponding with some current teachers at the least.

Who or what is 'Edugates.' Anyone heard of them?

VS
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
johnslat



Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dear veiledsentiments,
Whoever they are, they seem to have some difficulty with
spelling. "Edugates "? That name's so cutesy and quaint, it's practically lethal.
Regards,
John
P.S. Maybe some spawn of Watergate?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 11:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, John, that name is a bit much. There are just so many shady organizations set up as 'international schools' that I would stay far far away from all of them. Smile But, I am an acknowledged coward.

VS
(Watergate? Would you believe that I was working for the owner/managers of the Watergate complex back then. I always thought that it was really our accounting department breaking in to try to collect the years of unpaid back rent)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TNT



Joined: 19 Jun 2003
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Mon Jun 23, 2003 7:21 pm    Post subject: Schools in Al-Ain Reply with quote

I am considering a contract in Al-Ain. The above info is great - thanks! Can anyone tell me about schools for my children there? I've read about many different international schools in Abu Dhabi but am unsure about Al-Ain. Is anyone able to shed some light?

Thanks so much for your time.

TNT
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
hmbaba



Joined: 06 Apr 2003
Posts: 37

PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 9:14 pm    Post subject: Schools in Al Ain Reply with quote

Hi,
Assuming you are a non-Muslim, try the Chouefait or Al Ain English Speaking School in Al Ain - there is also Al Dafra. These schools do k-12/13. Most westerners select the aaess - see aaess.com for info - it's Brit curriculum and goes until A Level (grade 13) - and kids from there seem to gain entry to US/UK and other western schools. My daughter was there till Grade 9 and is doing great in her new school in Grade 10. This school doesn't have the fancy facilities of Chouefait, but its system is humane and the kids enjoy it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TNT



Joined: 19 Jun 2003
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:02 pm    Post subject: Thanks hmbaba... Reply with quote

Thanks for all of the information above. It's a great help - especially your personal experience. THANKS!!

TNT
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
musaafir3



Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:56 pm    Post subject: Re: Schools in Al Ain Reply with quote

hmbaba wrote:
Hi,
Assuming you are a non-Muslim


hmbaba,
Could you please expound on your comment, please?
Thanks.

musaafir3
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TNT



Joined: 19 Jun 2003
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2003 3:33 am    Post subject: My understanding... Reply with quote

I probably shouldn't respond to what another person said, but when hmbaba said "Assuming you are a non-Muslim", I assumed he meant that if I were a native English speaking westerner looking for a school that taught in English using a western school system then these were the schools I should look at for my children. He was right. That is what I was asking and looking for and his reply very well received.

TNT Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
hmbaba



Joined: 06 Apr 2003
Posts: 37

PostPosted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 6:17 am    Post subject: Schools in Al Ain Reply with quote

Thanks TNT for clarifying my comment - you are exactly right, and I used the phrase to contextualise my response - naturally the answer would be different for a Muslim who might be seeking an Arabic medium school or a school which offers some Islamic education.
If you are definitely going to AA, get in touch with the schools ASAP - there might still be someone around - AAESS fills up pretty fast. See the ISC discussion on this board for info about Chouefait.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> United Arab Emirates All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

Teaching Jobs in China
Teaching Jobs in China