Job Discussion Forums

[SledgeCleaver]

I just got an offer for an in-person interview with ADVETI. There seems to be some confusion on this board about their packages, so I will provide what I was quoted:

Salary: AED 11,000-13,000 per month ($3,000-$3500)
Housing Allowance: AED7,000-AED11,600/month ($1,900�$3,150/month)
Bonus - 20,000 AED relocation allowance ($5400) plus 1-month salary bonus at end of each year.
Flight and medical included.
I remember reading the salary could not be negotiated, and was set by the government based on your level of qualifcation - Bachelor, Master's, Ph.D. So those numbers are apparently fixed.

Now, a few questions:
1. Some people said TeachAway was the best recruiter to use. I used this recruiter, but I'm at a loss to say why it would matter. You're not being hired by TeachAway, you're hired by ADVETI, and once you're there it seems they can put you where they want you and screw you over if they feel like it. Details on this would be helpful - does TeachAway help you to get a better contract or something? Why does the recruiter matter?

2. The housing allowance seems to be quite wide - a difference of more than $1000 per month. Is this simply based on whether you live in downtown Abu Dhabi or somewhere cheaper? Also, some have said it might be possible to save some of this money - is it really true that they give you the cash to pass on, and you can pocket the difference by living in a less luxurious place?

A lot of people have savaged this job on this forum, however it seems ADVETI is expanding and that they are currently one of the most reliable hiring prospects in UAE. I don't mean it's the best job, just that they are hiring a lot of people.

They've offered me an interview, which would be in only 5 days. I'm pretty wary of this organization based on what I've read, however I really need money to finance my further education - I'm hoping to save at least $20,000 per year of work and maybe more, and I'm willing to put up with some BS in order to do it. Basically, I have years of teaching experience but I only have a bachelor's, a good degree but not in education; I don't even have a TEFL certificate. So to find a teaching job at this salary level seems like a good opportunity, then I can use the money to get a Master's in Education, get licensed, and move on to somewhere else. In other words, they seem to be willing to consider my years of classroom experience and math skills rather than the technical fact that I am not licensed in USA. Not many decent employers seem to be doing that these days - you've got to have those slips of paper to work anywhere decent. Of course, the fact that they are willing to do this could mean they're desperate because all their teachers keep quitting. But it could also be related to the fact that they are expanding, for example as discussed here:
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education/hundreds-of-emiratis-sign-up-for-vocational-courses-in-abu-dhabi

If there are people who know, could I get a broader range of opinion on this organization or whether someone in my situation could survive 1-2 years there without going nuts? I'm not walking in with my eyes closed, I'm strongly considering the advice to avoid, and I expect the experience to be less than stellar, however sometimes it seems that a few people who got screwed are very vocal in forums while tons of people who like their job (or can put up with it) are out there just living their life. And as I said, I might be willing to put up with 1-2 years of BS in order to build a better education for myself and thus a better future.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

[helenl]

Took a quick look at ADVETI's website. If you are an EFL teacher, you don't qualify

"Native English Speakers Minimum 5 Years� experience in Secondary SchoolsGraduate / Post Graduate Degree"

Housing is usually based on marital status/position applied for/number of children - not negotiable

1 month salary bonus is on base salary and is mandated by National law. Not something they can negotiate on, but they can play silly buggers if they want to get rid of you without paying.

Recruiters have various ways of clawing back money from employees. Either up front by offering lower wages or by demanding fees from the employee or the employer. Teachaway seems to be one of the "better" ones in that its commissions are taken from the employer.

You are quite right that the pieces of paper and letters after your name are very important here. Gather as much information as you can so you can make an informed decision

[SledgeCleaver]

I should have said, it appears they are hiring me to teach mathematics, not ESL. I used to have a provisional license to teach mathematics in USA, and I taught full-time high school mathematics as a fully-licensed teacher. Math teachers are a smaller pool than ESL teachers, which I'd imagine is why they're willing to waive the licensing requirement in this case - I'm qualified, just not licensed.

[PC Parrot]

If you're only hoping for a year or two, any BS which may happen to be flying around shouldn't bother you ..

I'd say give it a go ..

Just keep your eyes on the prize

[helenl]

I would be a little concerned that they are willing to overlook the fact you are not licensed to teach in your home country. It may indicate they are having difficulty attracting and/or retaining qualified applicants/employees. Which in turn may mean there are real problems and not the usual BS

Teachaway teachers have a facebook page I think - might be a good place to ask questions about ADVETI

[SledgeCleaver]

I've thought it over quite carefully and decided to give this one a pass. Basically, if education is the path I truly want, then it would be better to finance a master's using debt and THEN find quality work using those better credentials, rather than work a job that is questionable for me personally to finance a degree in advance. For some this school might be the right solution, but for a person who really wants to avoid excessive behavioral management issues (I've had enough for a lifetime), not to mention someone brand new to the Arab world, it's just not the right placement for me.

Thanks to all who contributed.

[Neutrino Girl]