Job Discussion Forums

Joe Pineapples · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 3 Location: England

Hello - I'd like to pick your brains if I may... I'm going out to Abu Dhabi with my wife (she has found a job already) this August and I need to get a job. How easy is this, and what are the pitfalls?

I have a Cert Tesol, a degree and will also have a PGCE specialising in Adult Ed. is this enough?

So..Thats me...Any advice? Am I going to get work as a teacher? Should I try the Universities or schools or independent language schools?

Cheers, Joe

stoth1972 · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:55 pm Post subject:

Since you have your PGCE, I would look into teaching in the schools. TES Jobs has an international section where a lot of good schools (and some crappy ones) post their openings. Saying that, the window of opportunity for applying is closing. Most schools have already done they're hiring. There is, of course, that possibility that other applicants who have already accepted a job will get cold feet. Mid summer hires are unheard of. You're in an awkward situation if you accompany your wife to the UAE without a job...I would suggest trying to secure something before going. Is your wife working for a school?

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

stoth1972 · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 6:11 pm Post subject:

Yes, YG is right. There is a 'not' missing from that sentence (typo). The awkward situation you'll find yourself in is the local hire contract. Friends of mine who went the 'local contract' path had a hard time finding a new employer (once that contract ended) who were willing to offer the expat contract. Ideally, finding work before going would be best long term. t think you have a shot at that with your qualification and experience.

Joe Pineapples · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 3 Location: England

Thanks for replying and offering sound suggestions. My wife has arranged a job in a primary school, which I believe in Abu Dhabi, only employs women. I'm heading over in Aug. so if I don't manage to arrange anything I will be able to define my search a little more. I saw the Higher Colleges of Technology on the internet, they appear similar to FE colleges in the UK. Any further info. or advice on this subject would be gratefully appreciated..

Cheers

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

HCT normally require an MA. If they're still advertising for the IAT - technical/vocational high schools with a pretty rough reputation - they might take you with a PGCE. You don't say what kind of experience you have: that would make a difference.

Iamherebecause · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 6:25 am Post subject:

I would say try for HCT. Also look for jobs in schools. If you end up going to the UAE without a job you might be better off going for hourly paid work with one of the better employers (HCT, British Council) rather than a full time but badly paid local hire school post.

In general an accompanying spouse with teaching qualifications and experience is very likely to find work of one sort or another.

Good luck!

Greenfingers · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 4

I think there is a chance that you could get a job as an adjunct (temp)working at HCT Abu Dhabi Men's or Women's College. I believe that they advertise online; try http://recruit.hct.ac.ae/teaching.asp and/or call them early August.

They pay around Dh110 per hour I think.

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

And... if they are happy with your teaching, you may have a chance of a more permanent hire... or at least that used to be true.

Is it still a possibility? (either way, that is good hourly pay)

VS

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

My husband came to the UAE on my visa and works, without an MA, at HCT. He has a full contract, not 'local hire'. Due to the accreditation process which HCT is attempting to put into place, MA's are required for HD and BA teachers, they are not a requirement for Diploma Foundations teachers as yet. It's possible that HCT will need a lot more teachers once the new academic starts so I would apply now. If you start as an adjunct, you may be kept on.
The new Institutes of Applied Technology are better than the old technical schools and they are reported to be taking in students who at one time would have been HCT Diploma candidates. And they employ qualified teachers.

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

Afra: that's a useful update. Thanks

Joe Pineapples · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 3 Location: England

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

Very hard to predict the answers to that... varies so much by employer... depends on need and what you have to offer. HCT was one of the few employers that you heard of them ever offering a person already in the country a foreign hire contract with all benefits. Realistically, I would say to expect to get local hire if you are already there.

VS

stoth1972 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 3:29 pm Post subject: Local Hire at HCT

A friend of mine who had just finished a few years with Ajman U, was offered a job at HCT but as a local hire (she's married to a Syrian man she met in the UAE). This just happened last spring. In the past, I've known HCT to hire people already in the country on expat contracts, but in this case (see VS's remark), the individuals possessed qualifications that made them more desireable. I think outside of ESL, HCT might be inclined to spring for a foreign hire in the country who fits a specific need (perhaps IT?)