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Niz1
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 9
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:45 am Post subject: HCT Questions |
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I'm considering a position at HCT and had a few questions for any of you who work or have worked for them. Does anyone know if most people get additional health coverage aside from HCT's, as it looks pretty slim? Also, for housing, does HCT have the apartment and pay the rent? And, any rules or regulations that would shock a Westerner (who is familiar with the UAE) in the workplace? Thanks for any feedback you might be able to offer. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:10 am Post subject: |
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Healthcare is relatively cheap and the insurance is sufficient for most. There is a lot of discussion right here on the board concerning the housing situation. The search mechanism works pretty good too.
I suspect that you will find most of your questions answered... and many that you hadn't even thought of.
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NadiaK
Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:43 pm Post subject: |
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Few, if any, get additional health coverage. It's not the best, but it does cover most things (including *basic* maternity).
HCT provides you with housing - they rent and the contract is in their name. In the first year you will have little or no choice of accommodation. After that you may have the option of moving, but again HCT will hold the lease.
The main thing that shocks some teachers is the office hours - depending on the college you're at, you may be expected to be on site for an 8-hour (or even 9-hour if you include the lunch hour) day, regardless of what your actual contact hours are. Other than that, I can't think of anything which would shock (although the usual classroom taboos - sex, religion and politics) count for double.[/img] |
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Niz1
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 9
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your input. I really appreciate the feedback. I wondered about the health care because it seemed like if anything happens (natural disaster, boating accident, skiing accident, etc.) I'm not covered. I guess I can always pick up emergency coverage if necessary.
Also, clothing for women - as long as one covers from the neck to the feet, that is fine, right? Is there any problem if your hair is not covered? |
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helenl
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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At Sharjah colleges as long as your sleeves reach to or below the elbow, your skirts cover your knees and nothing is clingy or transparent - you're OK. The only female faculty who cover their hair are Muslim and some of them don't either. |
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snorkel
Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 32
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:57 am Post subject: |
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Since the topic of clothing has come up...how about shoes?...i previously read that sandals were considered acceptable footwear.is that true? Some workplaces may find open-toe shoes too casual in the west... |
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helenl
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:06 am Post subject: |
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In most HCT colleges, flip flops are generally frowned upon - because they look like you're coming from the locker room and the noise is irritating as well.
Open toed shoes and sandals are one big advantage women have over men - so long as they're presentable, they're allowed. The poor guys have to wear shoes and socks.
Some HCT campuses do not care if you wear T-shirts (women, that is - again the poor guys have to wear a shirt and tie) in Sharjah, for example, they're frowned upon. Also, for men, a strict -"no short sleeves" policy is enforced at some campuses - others are not so concerned (and it doesn't matter if it's a women's or men's campus in either instance). |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:36 am Post subject: |
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my wife is wondering about wearing slack as she only has about 3 long dresses (ie below the knees) but none of them cover her arms to her elbows. So are dress slacks allowed at most of the HCT campus's for women? |
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helenl
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:55 am Post subject: |
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Dress slacks are acceptable in any HCT college. For the shorter sleeves, she might consider wearing a light blouse over the top as a sort of jacket. This is quite common, especially if she wears sleeveless type tops. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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She may find slacks to be very hot and uncomfortable. I hadn't had a skirt on for years before I got to the Gulf, and within a short time, I only wore skirts.
At that time in our branch we were not allowed to wear slacks to the college, but when I did wear them on the street or shopping during the winter (when the temps were only in the 70's and after a few years, that is sweater weather), I wore them with tunic style tops. I would never have gone out with a blouse tucked into my slacks unless I had on a longish jacket.
Granted I was one of the more conservative dressers, but I really hated all the staring. If you are still in the US, here is a good source of comfortable cool skirts and such: http://www.devalifewear.com/mm5/
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Iman
Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Posts: 7
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:52 am Post subject: |
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Can I take it from the OP that people are still receiving offers for an August start with HCT?
Hubby interviewed with them 3 weeks ago (and passed) but we haven't received an offer. Should we move on or expect something in the next couple of weeks?
Thanks! |
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helenl
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 8:37 am Post subject: |
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IMHO I'd say you may still get hired for August. In late June, they were still short more than 60 English teachers and more than 30 management positions throughout the system - although I don't know about content teacher numbers, I suspect they are finding it very difficult to recruit for those positions as well. |
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Niz1
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 9
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:49 am Post subject: |
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Does anyone know if there is any flexibility in the 15 day response limit for the contract? I am waiting for some clarifications on the terms, but have not received a response . The 15 day deadline is quickly approaching. Any ideas about flexibility with that? |
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Afra
Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:26 am Post subject: |
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I would contact them again, preferably through Central Services as some of the College-based HR people are not that efficient. |
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Niz1
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 9
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Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:51 am Post subject: |
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I have, numerous times. I am worried I am going to miss out on this. I'm not sure what else to do. |
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