Job Discussion Forums

[cseeley24]

Hi. I am an American who has taught ESL in Egypt for 4 years. I am married with 2 young school children. I am thinking to move to Abu Dhabi-with a school offer for Head KG Teacher- and need some help on things like how much are the living expenses-food, taxi costs, flat 2 bedrooms with furnishings and on the cost of a decent school for my kids- am not sure that they will come with me. I was offered total of salary and allowances US$55,000 plus a seperate housing allowance, airfare for me, hubby and 1 child, plus supp. of 20,000 their money for education of kids. Could we live comfortably and save a good chunk of change on this? Also, would my hubby, who has over 10 years exp. in US as a chef be able to find a job(i know this is not the right site for this ? but maybe someone will know.) thanks for all your help.

[eyda]

Ah, in your post in the Egyptian forum you said you made LE 2000/mo. (1200 dirhams/mo.)

Why do you even ask?

[veiledsentiments]

So... you are offered:

17,000 DHS a month
plus housing allowance
annual tickets
20,000 ed allowance

All I can say is WOW... have you read about average education salaries on this board? And coming from your Egypt salaries, I would think it sounds HUGE!!! (from US$4000 a year to $55000 a year??)

First off, how much is the housing allowance? Flats rarely come furnished... come with AC, fitted kitchen (no appliances), bathroom fixtures. Most people manage to furnish a place with US$5-10,000 depending on their shopping skills and requirement for luxuries. There has been some discussion on here concerning rent costs... but they are rising rapidly. (try a search - button above right of page) There have also been discussions of school fees. Most people, especially those with kids, buy a car as taxis will get very expensive in the long run. Be sure to have a current US driving license with you.

After Egypt, you will think that you are Bill Gates... but if you don't eat all your meals at the hotels and drink lots of booze, you should be able to save money.

As to your husband getting a job as a chef... it probably depends on his credentials. There are plenty of large hotels, but he would be competing with international hiring... which pulls down the salaries and job openings.

VS

[sw]

$55,000 for teaching kindergarten? That's more than the oil company, ADNOC, pays. What a great deal! Please double check and make sure the offer is legitimate as that is an extraordinary salary for an elementary school teacher.

[Afra]

I would agree with sw - check it out!