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hak
Joined: 21 Aug 2006
Posts: 41
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 Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:20 am Post subject: Sabis Application |
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Hi
i have received some information from the Sabis schools and was thinking about applying.i just found some of the theory behind the school and the questions on the application form a little strange,here are some examples
4. How do you feel about leaving your country to come to a strange place where you are expected to work hard rather than have fun?
Answer:
5. What is your opinion concerning teachers who: (1a) stay up very late when they have to teach early on the following morning? (1b) then absent themselves from school on the following day? (2) are absent on a day and then go out in the same evening?
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6. In the case of death in the immediate family (parent, sibling, your own son/daughter, but not cousin) the school gives teachers a short leave of absence. However, if a teacher asks for leave to attend a wedding of a close friend, a funeral of someone not in the immediate family (e.g. cousin, aunt, close friend), or join a sports event during school days, the school will not give you permission to take paid or unpaid leave. If we allow this to happen, children will miss teaching days. Under these circumstances do you think that it is fair for the school not to give you leave, even without pay?
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7. Is there anyone who�s death or serious illness may require you to break the contract?
I was wondering if these are strange questions or Im just being paranoid?
has anyone had any experience at these schools and if so what was it like? |
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Manny2
Joined: 16 Mar 2006
Posts: 143
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Bindair Dundat
Joined: 04 Feb 2003
Posts: 1123
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| Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:21 pm Post subject: Re: Sabis Application |
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| hak wrote: |
Hi
i have received some information from the Sabis schools and was thinking about applying.i just found some of the theory behind the school and the questions on the application form a little strange,here are some examples
4. How do you feel about leaving your country to come to a strange place where you are expected to work hard rather than have fun?
Answer: |
Sounds good to me! I hate to have fun. Fun is for losers.
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5. What is your opinion concerning teachers who: (1a) stay up very late when they have to teach early on the following morning? (1b) then absent themselves from school on the following day? (2) are absent on a day and then go out in the same evening?
Answer: |
Sounds loathsome to me! Perhaps they should be shot?
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6. In the case of death in the immediate family (parent, sibling, your own son/daughter, but not cousin) the school gives teachers a short leave of absence. However, if a teacher asks for leave to attend a wedding of a close friend, a funeral of someone not in the immediate family (e.g. cousin, aunt, close friend), or join a sports event during school days, the school will not give you permission to take paid or unpaid leave. If we allow this to happen, children will miss teaching days. Under these circumstances do you think that it is fair for the school not to give you leave, even without pay?
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Why would I want to go to anybody's funeral? I mean, what good are they after they're dead?
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| 7. Is there anyone who�s death or serious illness may require you to break the contract? |
Heck no! I'll go to work even if *I'm* dead! |
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Sheikh Inal Ovar
Joined: 04 Dec 2005
Posts: 1208
Location: Melo Drama School
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:51 am Post subject: |
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We're pleased to tell you, BD, you've got the job ...
Before coming, we like new staff to get a feel for our school mission and our educational requirements. To assist you in your orientation, the following are highly recommended:
Mein Kampf - Pooh What a Pansy! (by V. R. Rocks)
The Place for Happiness at Work - There is None! (by Imawa N'qer)
Board Markers - A Guide to Successful Use (by D. Ippy) |
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stoth1972
Joined: 16 May 2003
Posts: 674
Location: Seattle, Washington
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 12:08 am Post subject: |
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6. In the case of death in the immediate family (parent, sibling, your own son/daughter, but not cousin) the school gives teachers a short leave of absence. However, if a teacher asks for leave to attend a wedding of a close friend, a funeral of someone not in the immediate family (e.g. cousin, aunt, close friend), or join a sports event during school days, the school will not give you permission to take paid or unpaid leave. If we allow this to happen, children will miss teaching days. Under these circumstances do you think that it is fair for the school not to give you leave, even without pay?
Answer: |
During my stint with these schools, I opted to move from Cairo to Dubai in pursuit of my Med TESOL. I enjoyed the Cairo schools for the most part. My grandmother passed away that spring while I was in Cairo, and shortly thereafter, I requested a transfer to the Dubai Choueifat school. Despite having worked for this system for 3 years at that point, I was asked to fill out this same questionnaire. When I got the question above, I wrote, having just attended my grandmother�s funeral in the US without a moment�s hesitation on the part of the school, �I expect to be able to attend the funeral of someone who is near and dear to me.� Or something to that effect. They emailed from Abu Dhabi, stating that the regional director was bothered by my response, and they wanted me to PROMISE not to take any time off in Dubai to return to the US for the funerals of non-immediate family members. They wanted my promise in a letter. Based on the instruction of Cairo director at that time, I emailed back promising to uphold the terms of the contract and UAE law.
These schools, particularly those in the UAE and others in the Gulf that fall under the control of the director in Abu Dhabi, will not allow you take any sick time without a total hassle. No matter how responsible you are, no matter how reliable you have proved yourself to be, the doctor on campus has the job of �sending you back to class�. I was even docked pay for a day�s work when I took sick time (despite visiting the school doctor before going home early, as we were meant to do). Many of your colleagues will be the drinking type, and you will automatically painted with that same brush. Time off for a wedding back home? Forget it. Inflexibility is the way they operate. Even friends of mine who worked 5, 6, and 7 years for them, were refused a letter of no objection after they had legally completed their contract. Why? Spite. Pure and simple.
I have to stress that the school in Cairo worked in a much more professional manner (not without its hiccups) and with a great deal more of concern for the teachers. Leaving to attend my grandmother�s funeral did not phase anyone in administration. Not so in the UAE schools. If you think you can fly under the radar for a year and want some experience, then give it a try. You will be living on campus, and most likely sharing with someone else. Your movement will be monitored while in class and when in the comfort of your own home. No guests overnight will be allowed (policy-you might sneak them in). It�s not a �fun� place to work. Saying all of that horrible stuff, I met a lot of lovely people who got caught there, too. I really think it depends which school you�re at, and who you report to. Having talked to people from other Choueifat schools and worked in Sharjah and Dubai, I suspect that the Cairo school(s) was just the exception, and not the norm.
Please PM me if you have other questions. |
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sharons0
Joined: 24 Jan 2006
Posts: 17
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| Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:44 pm Post subject: Chouefiat |
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Hi,
I was in ur situation not so long ago and wondering whether or not to come over here and I can say that Im glad I did. Yes the contracts are scary and ridiclous but they are only extreme worst case scenarios I have not heard of anyone or seen any that have had such problems. The school in Abu Dhabi is run by the regional director so yes it does recieve a lot more pressure than the other schools do. I could really talk about this forever so Il try make it easy. If your someone whos looking to travel and meet lots of new people easily and doesnt take things too seriously then Id reccomend it however there are as has been said many negative things to it. The school (probally from some experience and other stupid notions) do not really trust their staff therefore they are not given any leniency or responsibilities. When sick most often a visit to the nurse is needed there are times however jst a phone call to the school has sufficed. As for no people being allowed to stay over it is no longer the case. Visitors are allowed but must be signed in. Also I know in Abu Dhabi most teachers live off campus so guests are not a problem.
THe teaching itself is not that great. THe school policies are somewhat ridiculous and extreme and their system is definetely not one which Id agree with In saying that however I am here for a year and willing to follow the rules and get by. I find the teaching to be ok. There are alot of kids in each class which can be very demanding. I know alot of people who are teaching in the primary/secondary school who really hate it. Often the classes have 30 kids in them and I found discipline is a far bigger problem than where live. 4 people have left since the start of the year. It depends wot kind of person you are and what age group they give u, and wot u hope to gain from the year among other things.
Anyway im beginning to ramble now and i could talk about this for ages if uve any specific quesitons pm me and il be happy to help. |
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