Job Discussion Forums

ChrisV · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Cambridge, UK

I'm once again looking at my expanding overdraft here in the UK and eyeing the Middle East. I have a Saudi-phobic wife, and so am looking at the UAE (preferably Dubai, but you know what they say about beggars...), Oman and Kuwait. In the UAE, UOS and HCT both seem to be hiring for next summer, which is the earliest I could leave, so I'm wondering...

...what do each of these institutions typically pay? I have 10+ years' experience, including three teaching EAP at the University of Southampton, but have only just finished my MA (I also have CELTA and DELTA).

...employment wise, I get the impression from these boards that UOS would be a far more enjoyable place to work than most HCT colleges. Is this an accurate perception?

Cheers,

Chris

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

HCT would almost certainly pay more. Enjoyability is so personal, it's hard to say. UoS is generally a more relaxed working environment but there are good times to be had at HCT as well. And ZU, even if not advertising at the moment, will almost certainly be hiring for next summer. Peak recruitment time for all 3 is February-April.

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

There has been little news here on UoS since its rather extreme teething problems in its first years. I don't think I have heard many people describe their experience there as 'enjoyable.' Laughing

But then, we normally hear about the problems, but little from the happy teachers. (if you do a search, original threads will probably come up under SU or Sharjah University as that is what it was called for the first years) It will definitely be more laid back than HCT... most places are.

If you have experience teaching academic writing - essays/research papers - another choice would be the first year writing program at AUS.

If you read about on this board - which is a good idea - you will find lots of discussion about places and salaries at the various places.

VS

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

I just noticed that ZU has put up an ad for next year on Dave's.

VS

stoth1972 · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:40 pm Post subject:

I believe HCT is hiring for january-did i say that already?

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

You or someone did, but it was on another thread. Cool

VS

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

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

Not really... I normally advise people who are interested in working in Gulf universities to apply between the end of November and the end of February. This is the time of year that they start planning next year's hires.

VS

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

ChrisV · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Cambridge, UK

Thanks for all the advice. That's very useful stuff. If HCT's for Jan, then I wouldn't be able consider it. Would it be a good idea to put in an application anyway on the hopes that they might consider me for autumn 2007?

VS, thanks very much for the tip on Zayed. P.S. My background is indeed in AW, particularly with (mainly Saudi) Arabs, though taught in the UK rather than in the ME. How would I go about approaching AUS? Should I just wait until they advertise?

Concerning pay, I don't know if it's my poor search skills, but I haven't been able to pin down ballpark figures for Zayed, AUS, UoS, HCT etc. Are Zayed and AUS roughly in line with HCT? Will the fact that all my experience is pre-masters hurt me less at some unis than others?

Thanks again,

Chris

Tuttifruitti · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 75

It's often difficult to find info about payment when you are looking for jobs in the Gulf! With the MA, you would probably get about 11,500 dhs in HCT. I'm not sure about the other institutions.

I would advise applying for all of them now. If you are interviewed and are successful, they will ask about your availability. They will keep you on file if you are not ready to work until September. As VS says, now is a good time to start applying. It might take a bit of time to hear back from some employers, but it will ensure that 'your name is in the pot'.

Good luck!

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

I believe that ZU (UGRU) initially pay more than HCT *but* you will stay on the same salary each year. With HCT you will receive an annual increase until you reach the top of the scale.

I'm pretty sure that pre-masters experience is counted by HCT (particularly if it's post-Diploma) - can't say for any other institutions.

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

I would say that AUS, HCT, & ZU would make pretty much the same offer - as Tutti says. (UoS is likely lower as it is private and smaller - AUS is better funded) As to how your experience will affect things... for pay purposes, having an MA puts you in a certain level, and your experience pre-MA is probably not counted. (if you have 10 years of directly related experience pre-MA - like in the Gulf uni system - you 'might' be able to do a bit of negotiation if they really need teachers)

Definitely apply to all... and as Tutti said, be patient and don't be surprised if you don't hear anything until February. In your cover letter, stress all experience with Arabic speakers and with academic English. That should get you into the keeper pile. Also with these employers, they tend to like people who have made presentations at professional conferences... Cool

VS