Job Discussion Forums

[Oliviera84]

I will probably get an offer from Abu Dhabi Women's College (HCT) very soon because I passed the interview and they contacted me to book the tickets for January 28, 2007 (which I found I little odd since the offer hasn't come yet).

Anyway, can anyone provide some useful tips about the college, e.g. the atmosphere, the hours you have to spend there apart from teaching, and if everything they say on their website is true regarding the accommodation (paid fully) and allowances?

[globalnomad2]

HCT has many drawbacks but getting paid properly and as advertised is not one of them. The only problem now is the rising rents.

[Oliviera84]

[Manny2]

Olivera84 yes you are right HCT does provide the housing but the rising rents has the effect that the quality/location of accomodation the HCT can now rent is having its effect, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As rents are rising each year some staff have had to either pay out of their own pockets to meet the increases or move to another location. However,as new staff member you will be given something within your budget and will not end up paying anything extra.


Re allowances etc , the contract from the HCT is pretty comprehensive and details all allowances and entitlements as per the website. You should receive one before you leave otherwise you will not know how much they are offering and whether you are happy to accept that amount. However, it is not unusual to get contacted re travel arrangements in advance of contract. I know I was and it was a bit of a shock as that was my first inclination that I was being offered a job. I eventually contacted the appropriate college HR dept for clarification. If you are still waiting then I suggest you contact their HR dept.

[ckhl]

Could you clarify how the rising rents affect your income. As far as I know, you don't get the housing allowance, but the college pays your rent.

The college, as per its contractural obligations, must find you suitable accommodation. Depending on whether you're single, married or married with children, a certain budget is allocated for your housing. This amount varies from emirate to emirate. If you don't like what the college has found and you choose to find your own accommodation, you may do so but if the rent is above the amount allocated you must foot the bill for the difference. As I have said before, do not expect accommodation to be of the standard you'd expect in your home country. For those who claim that the college can no longer find suitable accommodation within the budget allocated, perhaps their expectations have risen to unreasonable levels. Perhaps you should expect to get here what you would get in Hong Kong, London or New York for a similar amount.