Job Discussion Forums

ymillington · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Alaska

will be working at the IAT and will be there by the 26.Any news would be appreciated-- particularly concerning housing expense. Confused

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

Ahem...your location would be helpful. IAT have campuses in Dubai, AL Ain , and I believe they have somewhere in Abu Dhabi now . Basically the housing allowance is a pittance , I think about DH3500 or less so unless you have a spouse who will also be working with them and hence get a double allowance you will find it very difficult to find accomodation in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I do not know about the renting situation in Al Ain.
BTW does the IAT put you up somewhere initially while you look for a place to live ?
There are plenty of rental agencies in the UAE who usually take 5 % of the annual rent if they find you a place but for most it is not worth their trouble if that 5% is not going to be a significant amount. Also do not on any account pay an agency a viewing fee for simply seeing a place , reputable agencies/individuals do not charge .

ymillington · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Alaska

i have edited post.

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

That seems a pretty high salary for the IAT at least compared to what others I know have been offered. Just curious but are you teaching English ? and are you going in as an ordinary faculty or as a lead teacher?

Your housing allowance is also higher that what Kevin who has posted earlier and is also going to AL Ain is getting- I believe he is going to teach science and said he is only getting DH3200 - so either you have a higher position or you negotiated well, which given the current exchange is very necessary.

Sorry still can't help you re the cost of housing in Al Ain but know there has been some recent discussion on this subject.
God luck with the house hunting and the job. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes.

ymillington · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Alaska

I have a Masters in Special Ed, 5 years experince, a degree in English and a 60hr I and I certificate. I am also a Sunni Muslim.

Are there any Sunni Muslim up in here? :lol Cool

kevouze · Joined: 02 Aug 2006 Posts: 7 Location: france

You are right Manny2. I will get AED3200 (housing allowance).
Everybody is telling me that rents are a lot cheaper in Ain (than in AB and DB), I hope it is true. My fiance and I would like to get a small villa (2 bedrooms max), no luxury, just a comfortable place.
However, she is offered a 2 bedroom-appartment even utilities are paid by the school). Does anyone have an idea whether I can pocket the accomodation allowance and live in this apparment?
I am simply thinking that the school won't give me the allowance if I decide to live in my fiance's appartment. What do you think?
How should I do?

Kevouze

eyda · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Posts: 18 Location: Cairo

Go back and read your contract VERY carefully. There may be something about being assigned housing if you're in Al Ain; happened to my friend. The nice salary quoted was then deducted by the 3200, even though they'd said in the interview that staff could pocket the allowance and live on the street if they so preferred.

It's always a matter of the fine print in this place.

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

Will IAT give a double allowance? HCT doesn't. Couples have to decide which partner will receive the housing allowance, travel, etc. You could also have a problem because you are not married. Co-habitation is illegal and can lead to imprisonment and deportation if you are reported, so beware.

eyda · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Posts: 18 Location: Cairo

You hit the nail on the head, Afra. *IF* they know you're married, you can't double-dip...however, I know of a lot of 'single' people scamming the systerm.

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

I know for a fact that the policy at the IAT is if they hire a couple ( married) BOTH get a housing allowance so it is works out for the benefit of the couple as they can pool resources and to get a better place, unlike most other government institutions that only allow one person to take the allowances. Now in Kevin's case he can take his cash and live wherever he wants, unless as Eyda noted earlier the IAT pulls a fast one and gives him a place in lieu of cash , but I think if the contract says he gets the allowance then all he has to do is stick to his guns and get the cash. Plus I would question why the housing allowance for some is DH3200 and others are getting DH5000 as I do not think the allowance has anything to do with 'family status'.

While officially co-habitation is not allowed, it does happen and most people keep quiet about it. Westeners seem to be left alone on this issue and I do not know anyone who has faced a problem .But you will be living in a smaller town and 'Kevin' alot of people read this discusion board , even your prospective employers, so do not give out too much personal information.