Job Discussion Forums

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

Just been informed that I passed the interview and have been recommended for employment on the HCT CERT program.

Just a couple of questions for those in the know:

I am aware that this does not guarantee me a job, but can anyone tell me how long it normally takes, or better still how long it took him or her to get an offer?

I�ve heard that HCT are filling posts on the CERT program in Madinat Zayed. Can anyone tell me something about this place?

Are there any international schools there for my kids?

What�s the town like in general? (I realise this is a bit vague but any general info would be helpful and we can get to specifics later).

Does anyone have any info on the CERT program, are the package/conditions the same as the other HCT faculty?

Many vague and ineloquently put questions here but I am sure you get the picture, I�ve spent some time in the Middle East so I am aware of the culture shock, restrictions and local customs etc.

Ta very much in advance

caliph · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland

Madinat Zayed is a tiny village in the middle of the desert. 2+ hour drive from Abu Dhabi, no schools for expats. Plenty of parking though. LOL. It's not even much of a town, more like a truck stop in the desert. The only positive thing is that the students are very keen, especially the women as this an educational opportunity beyond their wildest dreams. The director is also very good and has close ties with the Vice Chancellor of the HCT system, so he can get things done.

For CERT they will try to get you as cheap as possible. They do contracted work for private industry. Contracts come and go.

You'd be better off with an HCT contract.

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

This not direct hire for HCT then, they are working as a recruiter???

What in your mind is as cheap as possible, for a BA (unrelated to teaching) a CELTA and 14years experience. They haven't mentioned salary and benefits yet but would they be the same as for the rest of HCT?

Thanx for all the gen�.

BS

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

Based on information from CERT colleagues, the package is now the same as HCT. CERT is the money making part of HCT but as teachers, they are HCT faculty. I think the only difference is that you don't need an MA to teach at the military level - it's similar to HCT Diploma.

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

Bin Shafted

There was another discussion of Madinet Zayed awhile back. Try a search and see if it adds to the info here so far...

VS

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

VS,

Could you elaborate a little as I've searched and haven't found anything too detailed on Madinat Zayed other than it's in the middle of nowhere. There's also next to nothing on the net.

What I'm really interested to know is how's this place for families and kids............

keep them coming

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

As mentioned above, there are no expat schools for the kids. I recall that this was discussed in the other thread. There is little or nothing to do out there, so you would have to be self-sufficient as far as entertainment.

I took a map and found it on Google Earth... doesn't look like much is out there.

Why did you think that they were using agencies? Were you interviewed by a recruiter? HCT hires people for their two programs, Diploma and CERT.

VS

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

yup I made a mistake, I was actually interviewed by HCT............it's just a bit confusing especially in UAE with all these different initials and programs, IAT, ADEC, CERT, HCT, RAK, ACDC, BBC

So basically M.Z. is a one camel town............do you know if the faculty out there have wives and kids along?

BS

caliph · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland

I don't think anyone actually lives there yet, hence the 2+ hour commute each way.

There are grand plans for housing and an extensive campus, but that's a ways down the road, (more than 2+ hours).

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

I see, so you'd be based in Abu Dabi then?............hell of a long drive don't you think?

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

I posted this some time ago an the Genearl Middle East board.

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

It just gets better and better, there must be some light at the end of this tunnel..................does anyone think that they could put the family up in A.D., give the teacher a place to stay in M.Z? That way you could have the weekends with the family and maybe pop home a couple of nights a week.

At the end of the day there must be something positive to say about this deal..........

Bin Shafted · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 52

passing an entrance test

mmm my kids speak two languages, neither of them Arabic though. So I suppose this is a non starter.............

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

I fear that there isn't much positive to say about this deal for someone with school aged kids. The question of leaving the family in AD is likely something that you need to discuss with HCT administration. (an organization who is obsessed with initials...)

I would definitely NOT want my kids (if I had any) to go to government schools out in the sticks like this... no way. How about having your wife home school them?

VS

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

HCT has provided accommodation in two cities in the past; when a teaching couple were working on a temporary basis in two different locations. I don't think this happens very often.