Job Discussion Forums

xyiq · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 7

After some consideration I've decided not to go.
May main reasons were that after reading advice and comments here about accommodation I wrote to CEP asking for more details about the location regarding proximity to shops and services as well as the travel to work time. I didn't get a reply to that. I also asked again (third time) for details of the health cover offered but no reply to that either. I found this a bit odd as there is no reason why CEP shouldn't know the answer as they already have foreign employees in place, plus details of healt insurance are a prerequisite for completing a visa application.
Thanks again to those who've posted their takes on the situation Smile

almatythen · Joined: 14 Jun 2011 Posts: 14

The US Peace Corp is abandoning Kazakhstan after recent terrorism attacks, rapes of American volunteers and threats against security.

Just a warning to all those out there to reconsider before taking a post at NU or elsewhere in Kazakhstan. The situation is a growing one, and potentially will get worse!

http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/5714/

KZteacher · Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 9

A wise choice not to come.

A new Kazakh law, coming into effect on Jan 1st, has led to all bank accounts being frozen here indefinitely. Upon questioning UCL about whether they might have perhaps organised something earlier in order that this does not impinge upon staff members leaving for vacation tomorrow, one of the staff teachers was accused of rude insubordination.

Perhaps after all this time, UCL are becoming acculturated. That they are turning into little Soviets was maybe not the idea, though.....

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

ComradeBL · Joined: 28 Aug 2010 Posts: 72 Location: 'stan!

My understanding is that the government has postponed implementing this law. Just before we left for our break, all the teachers at our school (which is not NU but is part of the umbrella system) did fill out some paperwork wanting our first-born that was supposed to fix whatever changes were being implemented.

Regardless of either my school solving the problem or the government postponing implementation, the good news for me is I've had NO problems accessing my KZ accounts, short of my bank running out cash in their ATMs. I've found that if you use a different KZ bank, you'll have no problem accessing your accounts and neither your home financial institution or the other will charge you a withdrawl fee from another bank, which is really nice! That usually solves the "my bank's ATM is out of cash" issue.

KZteacher · Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 9

...So now they are trying to get leaving teachers to resign over our Easter break. This way, they won't have to pay their summer holiday entitlement. They did this to two teachers last year, and it cost them �6000 each. Remember, teachers, the contract year ends on 31st August, so the deadline for resignations is 31st May. Don't fall for it!!!

fishmael · Joined: 12 Apr 2012 Posts: 5

Wow...had no idea Kazakhstan was losing value in the eyes of the US. Rapes of volunteers? Jeez!

slaqdog · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 211

"Voight-Kampff" test: a previous foolhardy employer of mine has, as I understand it, decided to introduce some kind of psychiatric testing as a part of the selection process for new staff. This follows the alarmingly high level of breakdowns, freakouts, outlandish behaviour and just plain daftness this University in the steppe has experienced. I suggest the test used in Blade Runne be administered. It should be just as valid as their chosen method.

KZteacher · Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 9

perhaps they should call it the Hoffs-Curve test (administered by Halmison Ford).

Seriously, has it got that bad? 200 more hours until the holidays...

Charley70 · Joined: 21 Sep 2012 Posts: 2

I'm wondering if anyone has any recent news or comments on NU. I've read the posts on this forum with interest, and would like to know whether some of the issues discussed were resolved, and how work and life is going there now. Any advice and comments appreciated!

astanaKZ · Joined: 17 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

Is it possible that everyone is happy with UCL? Wink

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Curiously, all the posts here between July and September, which were predominantly very negative, have mysteriously disappeared.....

slaqdog · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 211

Yes it is a little strange; a post of mine (or maybe two) has gone from the board. Daves one sided cafe eh?

Charley70 · Joined: 21 Sep 2012 Posts: 2

KZteacher · Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 9

The posts (definitely negative, for good reasons) were removed as a result of the higher than expected desertion rates from the gulag over the summer. The first recruitment drive came up short, and, as usual, there is a chronic shortage of teachers. 3 or 4 physics staff to cover over 300 students, and 16 or so EAP classes with over 20 students at least once a week.....

p.s. Dave, can you reinstate the previous posts in the thread? You could asterisk out the names, if you are being bullied by UCL...