Job Discussion Forums

[hak]

Hi Guys,

I have a Diploma and Masters in Education as well as 5 years experience.

Recently i have been asked to interview for the position of English Teacher with the IAT.I am a little confused if this is a different school to HCT.THe money is better then the American International School in Abu Dhabi which is a plus, although pevious posts have made me weary of interviwing for this job.

I am going to attend a job fair in Dubai in January, and am thinking that i may receive a better offer at a more reputable institute.

Does anyone have any thoughts? Also we have been told that it would be of benefit to stay at a certain hotel.I think it will help us build report,the only problem is costs about $300( Aus) a night.I am in Dubai for about 13 days and this is way over my budget.If anyone has any thought on where i could get some cheap accomadation ,i would be grateful.

Thanks

[Iamherebecause]

You could try staying at one of the Golden Sands places. They have hotel appartments so there's a decent sized fridge, basic cooking facilities etc and you can get a discount if you stay for a while.

What sort of job fair is this - for teaching posts, or general?

[hak]

Its a job air for teaching positions at International schools.

[tmac-100]

Is there a web site for this jobs fair in Dubai?

[hak]

Try www.searchassociates.com although you should do this soon,as you must book a spot.

[NadiaK]

HCT and IAT are not the same. However, for a brief period, HCT did take over the running of IAT (this was a couple of years ago, and was very short-lived as the military then came in and took over).

IAT is (I believe) a secondary institution. HCT is a tertiary institution.

[hak]

Which one of the two has a better reputation?

[globalnomad2]

HAK--HCT. It's a largely western-run, diploma, certificate, and bachelor-degree-granting system. It also has more prestige than the UAE University in Al Ain.

[stoth1972]

I was visiting Dubai about a year ago, and rented a hotel apartment right in Bur Dubai called the Imperial Residence. It's just off Bank Street (caddy corner to the lovely and delicious Automatic Bakery). I originally booked w/ an agent who did not take my credit card information prior to arriving. He quoted something to me in the range of $90/night. Upon arriving, they had my reservation as made by Sarfi. They then quoted me the cost of the 1 bedroom apartment at significantly less than what the agent had provided(less than $60 USD/night). The agent later tried to collect cash from me (he would not take a credit card, and actually went as far as instructing me to take out a cash advance on my card), but I dealt w/ the hotel directly. Had I been able to pay him w/ a credit card, I would have. Basically, it was his little side business, intended to make a profit, but likely not operating w/ any legitamate business license. So, the moral of this story is: avoid the agents. Even the legit ones will charge you over the going rate, since most of these hotel apts. don't have web sites or emails used to make reservations.

The quality of the Imperial Residence (not the Imperial Hotel-they're related but not the same) for the price was just fine. I would call it a 3 star. Daily maid service (not for your kitchen sink, though). There is an indoor pool, decent gym, great location, and no prostitutes. This is an older building by Dubai standards, and far from glitzy, but it closely resembled my first flat in Sharjah, and for that reason, I was comfortable. There's a picture here, for reference:
http://directrooms.com/uae/hotels/imperial-residence-hotel-dubai-2905.htm

I would call them directly to book. Has it been mentioned where this job fair is located specifically? Time of year may affect the rates of any hotel you stay at. I would ignore the rates you see posted on the above-mentioned web site. Here's the contact info for direct reservations. I think what you spend in an international phone call, you'll more than save by booking directly.

Imperial Residence Hotel Dubai
address P.O. Box.25056, Khalid Bin Walid Road Off Bank Street, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates
telephone +971 4 355 3555
facsimile +971 4 355 3887

[stoth1972]

[email protected]

Found this email address for the Imperial Residence.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

[Bindair Dundat]

[veiledsentiments]

The key is who does it have 'prestige' with... and it is probably not the expats. We really don't matter anyway in their scheme of things.

I would say that among the locals, HCT does have more prestige because at UAEU, it is open enrollment for all. I would say that also among employers, HCT has more prestige than UAEU. In particular for employers who require a higher level of English.

VS

[hak]

Thanks for the information guys,although i am still a little confused. The Institute of Applied Technology is the place that is offering the interview.

Reading through the posts,it sounds like it is a different place to HCT.I have looked through my applications and i can only find an application to HCT.

I have also looked up the rooms at The Imperial Residence between the 24 of january onwards.THey are quoting 322( AUS ) a night although it does say its not applicable during fair periods.I gather this means the prices may go up.

As for the booking of a room,i think this must be done b/f i arrive in Dubai for customs reasons. How can i find a cheap room if they do not have interner services.Also is there any backpacking industry eg cheap rooms?

[Afra]

There is a Youth Hostel in Al Qusais. Same area as IAT.
It might be useful to remember that the 'powers that be' also read this site and consistent mis-spellings, etc. will be noticed, especially if you are applying to teach English.