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Skywalker25
Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 3
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 8:57 am Post subject: Teaching in Al-Ain |
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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 |
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MindTraveller
Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 89 Location: Oman
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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Skywalker25
Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 3
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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Hey thanks for the reply.
I feel a lot better about the place now.
cheers |
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hmbaba
Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2003 5:52 pm Post subject: Teaching in Al Ain |
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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? |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 5:22 am Post subject: al ain |
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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 |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:30 pm Post subject: I second that one |
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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 |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 13859 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:44 pm Post subject: |
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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? |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 11:42 pm Post subject: |
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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. 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) |
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TNT
Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9
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Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2003 7:21 pm Post subject: Schools in Al-Ain |
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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 |
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hmbaba
Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37
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Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 9:14 pm Post subject: Schools in Al Ain |
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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. |
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TNT
Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9
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Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 10:02 pm Post subject: Thanks hmbaba... |
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Thanks for all of the information above. It's a great help - especially your personal experience. THANKS!!
TNT |
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musaafir3
Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 2
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Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:56 pm Post subject: Re: Schools in Al Ain |
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hmbaba wrote: |
Hi,
Assuming you are a non-Muslim |
hmbaba,
Could you please expound on your comment, please?
Thanks.
musaafir3 |
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TNT
Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9
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Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2003 3:33 am Post subject: My understanding... |
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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 |
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hmbaba
Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37
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Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 6:17 am Post subject: Schools in Al Ain |
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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. |
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