Job Discussion Forums

[DarkForce]

Hi, I've just applied for a job at Zayed University for a position in Motion Graphics (I have an M.A (Distinction) 3 years experience as a university lecturer, 8 years experience working in my specialist area, and I've worked on numerous high profile projects, and I'm a muslim working in 3D Art, so relatively unique(I hope anyway!) I'm also from the UK)

I was wondering how the application process works (online application) i.e usual time to reply(within 3 weeks?), interview process? I'm probably jumping the gun, and I'm aware that this forum is primarily for English teachers working abroad, but any help would be appreciated.

[TABING]

Even if you never worked in the muddle east, but are a muslim, you will understand the concept of "Insha'lah".

There is no such thing as fixed timetables for events here. Also, your qualifications look impressive, but that's not always what counts here. The most important qualification here is "wasta", Arabic for influence. If you have it, all doors will open, if you don't, well then someone's cousin from Pakistan whose artistic qualifications are that he visited a museum somewhere once may get the job.

Sorry if it's discouraging, but that's the reality of the Gulf.

Good luck!

[younggeorge]

Fortunately, TABING's experience of reality is not mine and I do actually have experience in the ZU recruitment process. Less fortunately, I know nothing about the process for Graphic Design or Visual Arts - I'm only involved with recruiting English teachers. However, the general aim is to complete all recruitment by the end of May. I would expect you to get a response to your online application by the end of April and, if the response is positive, an interview - by phone or video link if you are in UK - within a couple of weeks of that.

Take no notice of TABING's comments about wasta - I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's certainly not a big factor in this institution.

[TABING]

Just let us know if you get the job, please.

[Gordon]

George, a friend of mine was just at TESOL Arabia and noticed that Zayed pulled out of the job fair a day early. Why was that? Too bad, you missed a good candidate and I'm sure many more.

[DarkForce]

thanks for replies! I'd be nice to work abroad, it's either that or start a Ph.D this year, so i'm excited even if I don't get it, I'l post any updates, it was just nice to find this forum and to hear people's views on working in the UAE

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, there is certainly 'wasta' everywhere to some extent. I just think that it is more open in the Middle East... and accepted and expected... whereas we like to think that it doesn't exist back 'home.'

That said, ZU is an institution that demands people with professional credentials and experience (same with HCT, AUS, and perhaps a few other UAE institutions...).

BTW, getting the PhD is a VERY good idea. If you plan to work in the Gulf universities, it is practically essential for the jobs outside of EFL.

VS

[younggeorge]

[younggeorge]