Job Discussion Forums

[marsvolta]

I am considering taking a job at the Cambridge International School in Dubai. I have found very little information about the school on the net and was hoping some of you would know something about it. I would be earning around 7000 AED and my housing would be around 30,000 AED- as I have a wife and a kid I would need a place that had at least 2 bedrooms. On this money: would I be able to live comfortably and even save a bit for holidays? I really have no idea how this salary compares with other international schools so I would be very grateful if someone could give me advice. How much would a good second-hand car cost?

All pearls of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

[Jreng]

You can not find apartment for 30,000 dirhams. You can not survive

[blues clues]

Sorry, but no way, no how....Salary of 7000 month with a family! Ouch!Cost of living is very high in UAE. And that housing allowance,.....Impossible, unless you want to live in cockroach infested ROOM.....

[younggeorge]

That would be pretty minimal, I think. When you say your housing would be 30,000, I presume you mean that this is the amount Cambridge IS will pay for you, not the amount you will have to pay yourself. It won't get you very much - maybe a two-room flat in one of the cheaper districts, but demand greatly exceeds supply these days. Check out http://www.gulf-news.com/Classifieds/Dubai1.asp?Cats=dPR19

to see what's on offer at the moment.

How much to pay for a second-hand car is a "How long is a piece of string?" question, but you couldn't expect anything reliable for much less than AED10,000.

Sorry if that's not very encouraging, but I couldn't say anything else with a good conscience.

PS I just had a look at that link myself and there really is nothing in Dubai at that rent - the few that are listed are in Sharjah and Ajman, and that journey is not one I'd recommend.

Unfortunately, I think the salary you quoted compares quite well with most international schools except the very best ones. I'm not sure what qualifications you have, but you could check out English College, Dubai College, Jumeirah College. You should be able to find them woth Google. There are a couple of new ones opening this September as well but I don't have their names at hand or any info about them.

There's also the issue of schooling for your child: you don't mention the age, but that's going to set you back a bit when the time comes, unless Cambridge give free education to children of employees - which I doubt!

[megs]

Housing:
I'm currently looking for a 2 bedroom apartment in Dubai and have not found anything under 60,000. 30,000 won't even cover a one bedroom apartment. My one bedroom in a somewhat shady area of town is 42,000.

Pay:
7000 is low. That is what new teachers fresh from university make at my school. They are single, no kids and haven't saved a penny. I'm not sure how a family would survive on it.

Car:
My second hand car cost 37000, other people have spent anywhere from 25000 - 50000.

It's your decision, but if I was in your situation, I would turn this offer down and look elsewhere.

[SandyM]

FORGET IT!

7,000 a month might be OK for a single person, but a married couple with a kid? Absolutely no way. And the 30,000 accommodation allowance is probably designed for a teacher sharing.

Look elsewhere - e.g., 'proper' colleges and universities. If you're properly qualified as a teacher (Diploma, or PGCE, or MA), you should be able to double the above.

Sandy

[turtlepi1]

The housing allowance is the real killer, if it didn't suck... I wouldn't work for the salary either, but without knowing your country of origin and you plans/needs & qualifications people can't tell you if you should take it or not.

If you are from a "preferred country" USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Australia, I would suggest even without knowing your circumstance that you forget it. You are worth far more elsewhere assuming you have at least a bachelor degree. If you are from the sub-continent I couldn't tell you want to do because the exchange rate might make it worth while.

As someone pointed out, you have children. If your school doesn't pay for them, you need to RUN not walk away from the job.

Sometimes people are so anxious to come here they take shit jobs to get here, but it isn't always the best way. In-country hires are often more difficult than an outsider.

Whatever you choose I hope it works out for you.

[grand fromage]

I have to agree with all the responses. Keep looking for a better offer in the ballpark of what others mentioned or look for work elsewhere. Dubai is also not a place you want to live in on a tight budget-too many temptations to spend money everywhere you go

[lionbrian]

Are you kidding?

ADVICE: Look for a better deal! Ain't gonna survive on this money in Dubai. Even you are desperate, don't take it!

Chech Dave's Esl Cafe: Hong Kong Office of Education is looking for qualified teachers!

Good luck!

[lionbrian]

Teachers Needed: Hong Kong

Posted By: CEC Network <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, 26 April 2005, at 4:35 p.m.

HONG KONG EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BUREAU

BACKGROUND
Since 1997, native-speaking English teachers (NETs) have been introduced to secondary schools and in 2002 NETs and English language teaching assistants (ELTAs) have been introduced in primary schools.

NETs are required to teach English as a second language to Chinese students and assist in teacher and curriculum development in Government and Government-subvented primary schools (Grades 1-6).

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES MUST BE ABLE TO INTERVIEW IN TORONTO, VANCOUVER, AND HONG KONG.

INTERVIEWS: VANCOUVER - MAY 9-10 / TORONTO - MAY 12-13

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelors Degree
* TEFL/TESL Certificate (or to be taken within the 1st year of teaching)
* TEFL/TESL experience preferred

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor of Education (teachable in English Literature preferred)
* Provincial Teaching Certificate (Primary)

JOB DETAILS
* Starting Date: January - August 2005
* Term of Employment: 2-years renewable
* Location: Various teachers will be normally working in two schools in alternate weeks
* Hours: Whole day school: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Bi-sessional school: AM School 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
PM School 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm
* Class sizes: 30 to 37 students
* Duties include the following:
* Undertake teaching duties and try out good teaching models/practices related to the learning, teaching and assessment of English;
* Organize and conduct extra-curricular activities related to English learning and teaching such as school-based English day camps, story-telling activities, drama, songs, verse speaking, extensive reading, etc.; and if applicable, contribute to other extra-curricular activities such as IT, art and craft activities, and sports;
* Provide support for the English panel, including school-based curriculum development and professional development as well as preparing and developing learning/teaching materials;
* Act as an advisor on language teaching and learning and as a language resource person.

COMPENSATION
* Salaries range from HK$16,165 to HK$36,575 per month based on qualifications and teaching years experience
* A 15% gratuity of total base salary over the contract period payable at the end of the contract based on performance and conduct
* Special Allowance of approximately HK$10,000 (final figure determined in accordance with rental prices in Hong Kong)
* Baggage Allowance
* Round-trip airfare (as well as for spouse)
* Medical insurance
* Summer vacation

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
* Canadian Passport
* Bachelors Degree
* Matching Transcript
* TESL certificate (or commitment to take TESL course within the 1st year of teaching)
* Provincial Teaching Certificate (if applicable)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Send a covering letter and resume to [email protected]. Please specify that you are applying for the Hong Kong PNET position. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

WEBSITES

Education and Manpower Bureau Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme
http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=262&langno=1

CEC Network
www.teachingoverseas.ca

[lionbrian]

P.S: Your child could go to Chinese schools for free!