Job Discussion Forums

[tennyson]

Hi
I have got through first stage of ADVETI interviews.
They offer what seems a generous accommodation allowance - up to £14k. I had thought of taking a monthly rental aparthotel deal for a couple of moths. However looking at other forums it seems ADVETI don't accept monthly rentals - they want you to have properly rented an apartment ?

Anyone got any personal experience/insight?

Thanks

[umzakaria]

I resigned from ATHS Ajman during my probation period for personal, family reasons. However, having experienced the level of incompetence of the organisation, the abrasive working environment, complete lack of help available for new teachers, the totally unrealistic targets for student achievement and appalling student behaviour, I feel that I am better off doing supply teaching back in the UK! Each one of us has our reasons for working abroad, they will have to be very motivating to see you through a contract working for this organisation. BTW resigning during probation is very unusual; I was told that last year out of 80 new teachers 39 just left without resigning, after my experience of 'doing the right thing' I understand why! Do listen to all the warnings, they are all true and believe me expect the worst case scenarios, bring a few thousand pounds with you, even more if you have a family and be prepared to have a lot of patience and remember, it's not your country so don't expect it to be like it!

[nomad soul]

[tennyson]

Umzakaria Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have worked in Al Ain before and although my experience was ok, I know colleagues who had an appalling time.

Nomad Soul my reason for wanting to stay in an aparthotel was so as not to have to commit to a year's contract in case things don't work out or ( as I have heard is possible) one is reassigned to another school/city in mid term.

[umzakaria]

Indeed, several of my colleagues chose to stay in a hotel for similar reasons. However you need a housing contract to be able to sponsor your family and that's when it gets more complicated. No sponsorship then you have to do monthly border runs, no places for your children at school, no medical cover and so it continues. Be aware that if you want to sponsor your family you have to organise it yourself, pay up front and keep receipts for reimbersment by the school.

[The Fifth Column]

[umzakaria]

That may be so, but the company don't tell you these things until you are there, neither do the recruiters.
BTW if you haven't got a car, which you can't have without residency and can't rent without a credit card (for which you need at least 2 months rent in the bank), then taxis are expensive. Not everyone lives in AL Ain.
The point of me bothering to write about my experience is that I want other potential employees to be able to make informed decisions about whether they choose to accept a position.

[nomad soul]

[The Fifth Column]

[Gulezar]

[Geronimo]

Just to clarify - Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, (ADVETI),has colleges in the emirate of Abu Dhabi:- http://adveti.abudhabi.ae/

The ATHS college which umzakaria left, is located in Ajman emirate and comes under a different umbrella organisation:-
http://point.iat.ac.ae/En/ATHS%20Schools/Pages/default.aspx - which has overlooked to include it on its own website, for some reason.

ADVETI provides a suitable resettlement allowance. Most of its recent recruits for the new academic year in Al Ain spent a week or two in hotels before signing up for rental agreements costing around AED.20,000-30,000 for 6 months. The usual minimum tenancy agreement period is 6 months in the U.A.E..

Geronimo

[tennyson]

Thanks for all replies.
I don't have any family coming over so sponsorship is not an issue but I have read on some forum that they won't pay the allowance for a hotel self catering apartment which is a pity.

[Geronimo]

Still can't understand why you'd want to rent an aparthotel "for a couple of moths", though, tennyson!

Surely butterflies would be a better choice?
More colourful, certainly.

[tennyson]

Very drole Geronimo