Job Discussion Forums

[Sand Trapped]

Does anyone have any information about this school in Abu Dhabi? Their ad for TEFL Instructors appeared at a job web site on 28 May. Apparently, they're a new institution opening Fall 2005.

I did a search of the discussion threads, but found nothing except the name mentioned in a thread about TESOL Arabia.

The information at their web site is sketchy (and sometimes the site won't even download--I think it's still under construction):

www.alhosnu.ae/

Thanks in advance.

[Tuttifruitti]

It's the first I've heard of this place, and as you say, the website is sketchy. I'm a bit dubious about the fact that the 'Vice President' doesn't even sign a name to the welcome letter.

Unfortunately, many private universities here spend a lot of money on marketing, but not so much when it comes to staff, resources etc. Describing the location as 'downtown Abu Dhabi' could mean anything, and I would read 'we don't have a clue yet'. Keep in mind though, that this could be a converted 3-bed apartment functioning as classrooms and office space. You may never see the massive campus they have planned for the future.

Sorry if this sounds very negative, but I've seen quite a few places like this set up, only to close a few years later, or alternatively, let their full-time staff go (maybe mid year) and take on part-time staff to save money on visas, housing, health insurance etc.

There's no harm in applying for a job or contacting them for more info (that's if you can access either of these links - I couldn't). It could be a perfectly legitimate venture, and maybe I'm just too cynical!

If you do hear anything, let us know...

[grand fromage]

I met the guy (Dr. Ziad ?) who is in charge of starting this one for an interview a while back. He seemed quite genuine and claimed rich backers of the project. However, this is a private enterprise geared to make money so their package refelcts that. If I remember correctly, salary was under 10K and they provided "suitable" housing in a building rented for all teachers. Get my drift? It may be legit. but it doesn't have much to offer in comparison to even the other private universitites like ADU or Al Ain Technical something or other U. If you are just starting out in the region and need additional experience to get noticed by the better employers they may be an option. Otherwise, I'd look elsewhere.

[veiledsentiments]

The site wouldn't open for me and strangely it doesn't even show up on a google search.

Sounds like it's another one to be added to the 'last resort' list...

VS

[Sand Trapped]

My thanks to each of you. Eye-opening to say the least. 10k-forget it!

I'm not new to the M.E. I've had four contracts in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the most recent stint stank badly, i.e. they lied so much about every aspect of the job (a Saudi recruiter) that I resigned, and they refused to grant me a LONO. So, I'm barred from the Kingdom for two years (ending Oct 2005).

I'm looking at the UAE now. I applied at HCT in 2000. They set up a teleconference in Dec of that year. They responded to the interview favorably about 6 weeks later, but unfortunately by then I'd already accepted a position in S.A. I asked that they keep me in mind for later, but I never heard from them again.

Think I'll forget about Alhosn and continue my search.

[Wigwam]

The city campus is yet unfinished and is next to the Open Prayer Yard in Mussala El Eid in Abu Dhabi