Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

Ah Helen1... thanks for the memories. And the laugh with my morning tea. I always hated having to go to Dubai for this silliness. But it is a great introduction to HCT bureaucracy for the newbie. Not evil, but pretty pompous. But they have added entertainment?? I think that they should make management provide the talent and the teachers could vote them off like "The Emirates has Talent" or the "Gong Show" for those of us old enough to remember.

Seriously it is a great idea for the new people to learn about the system and the people, but by your 4th or 5th year, it does get to be a bit much - because you know that the speeches are all smoke and mirrors. It is also a time to learn which of your fellow teachers have the best senses of humor - as you listen to them critique the events.

VS

[Niz1]

Does anyone know why so many experienced HR people were "marched out"? Did something happen?

Also, I did accept a position at HCT, and I do not have plane tickets. I'm not worried about that though because I assume these will not be provided until the security check is completed, is that correct? And this takes about 3 or 4 weeks?

[adorabilly]

Hi Niz.

Each school has their own people arranging travel.
We accepted our contract offer, and have been assigned a school.

We were contacted in May about accepting the position and were then sent an email stating the contact person would be on vacation until july 16th.

We recieved one email around the 1st of july stating they were trying to set up our flights and needing names passport #'s etc...

We have been told our tickets will come when the UAE security folks have looked over the passports and cleared us to come. it should take 2 to 3 weeks or so.

Remember this is NORMAL in the UAE (and in most of china and korea).

If you are worried, write the contact person you have at your school, and ask them if they have recieved all of your documents they need (ie transcripts, photo's etc...) and ask them if it is going well.

[Manny2]

Niz just be ready to leave at the last minute I know it is not ideal but that is how it works. While most colleges aim to get all people in together for orientation sometimes delays with security checks do happen and one or too arrive later. Saying that this may also be a good thing as orientation at some colleges ranges fron full on 9-4 for a full two weeks to a far more reasonable 4-5 days at others.

[squareandfair]

HCT is a pretty organized outfit when it comes to getting new teachers settled. The main hurdles are really connected with housing - they have a lot of paper lackeys to help you get your paper work done; The phenomenal rent prices may mean that some people don' t get as nice accomodation as in the past but hopefully this will be addressed. Remember, keep your cool don't let the settling in hassles get to you. Once they're over just try to enjoy your students, enjoy your colleagues, enjoy your job and enjoy the UAE - a great place to live and work.

[snorkel]

Does anyone know how HCT handles a situation where a new faculty member doesn't like the apartment they are given (for whatever reason:location, cleanliness,mold,etc)?

By the way, my flight has been booked, they needed the security check to go through before they booked it. As all the other documents and references have yet to be checked, I guess the security clearance was most important.

[ProfessorsWife]

If it's of any consolation, we received little contact from HCT after the contract was signed and all benefits were agreed upon. We've recieved our travel information and the HR woman that we're working with has done a good job of answering the questions that we have for her, it just seems to take a stretch of time before she gets back to us. I have to assume that with so many new hires coming on, and the majority of the staff being on vacation for the summer, that everyone there is just swamped. Best of luck to you.

[helenl]

regarding changing of housing - it would have to be a major problem (flood or fire spring to mind) for HCT to even consider moving you at the beginning of the year. However, they do try to accomodate change of housing requests, usually when another member of staff leaves and their flat/villa becomes available.

Note - you will have to pay moving costs if the move is at your request (and not because of disaster)

[Niz1]

Can anyone talk about how the visa process works through HCT? I understand they need your passport for a few or more days, but is there any application one needs to fill out? Or is there an interview? Has anyone ever had any issues with getting the visa or is it a pretty simple process?

[helenl]

It usually takes about a week, there is no interview. The housing/visa officer takes everyone's passport to the immigration dept and looks after everything.