Job Discussion Forums

Skywalker25 · Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 3

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 Surprised

MindTraveller · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 89 Location: Oman

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.

Skywalker25 · Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 3

Hey thanks for the reply.

I feel a lot better about the place now.

cheers

hmbaba · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37

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?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

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 !

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

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

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 3:44 pm Post subject:

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?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

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. Smile

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)

TNT · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9

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

hmbaba · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37

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.

TNT · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9

Thanks for all of the information above. It's a great help - especially your personal experience. THANKS!!

TNT

musaafir3 · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 2

TNT · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 9

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 Smile

hmbaba · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 37

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.