Job Discussion Forums

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Indeed. If my starting salary were fairly low and knowing what people say about RAK Women's, I would not take the job. It's not worth it. RAK is not especially wonderful either.

redcliff · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 46

re. how much you can save.

I have two kids am solo bread winner, live a good live and save aprox 4,500 AED a month on a salary of 13,600.

i consider myself doing pretty well especially conpared to how much i could earn elsewhere.

pm me for more info

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

I heard that there were to be changes in RAK-W management. Was it only wishful thinking?

VS

UnbelievablyAngryExpat · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

I lived in RAK for four years. I arrived single and left married, so fo me, it was a great experience. I made loads of great friends and had a great time exploring, camping, 4wd-ing and doing the occasional run to Dubai to "civilise" myself. The mountains are a 20 minute drive away and you can head north to the Musandam peninsula in less than 30 minutes. It is the best of all the emirates for scenery (apart from most of the city itself, which is essentially a bit of a shithole in some places (especcialy Julan and Mamoura).

The nickname "The Wild West of the Middle East" fits RAK perfectly, and although there is loads of new building going on, and prices (especially rents) are jumping through the roof, it still has an odd, perverted charm of its own. The Red Lion used to be a blast on a Wednesday night. The Nakheel hotel with its fake British pub can sometimes be fantastic if you go with a good group of friends. Think of the bar in Star Wars and you can't go wrong. Many a fine night has taken place there.

Schooling for Western expats is limited to Chouifat, or RAKESS. The narcissistic, backstabbing and unbelievably unqualifed principal of RAKESS has dragged the school's reputation down over the past few years. But that's what you get when your brother-in-law is on the Board of Governors and gives you the job without giving a damn about your capabilities. The teachers have given blood for the school and the students adore them, but the admin. are either oblivious, break the rules, hire their family or fire people who are qualified. Ask about the failure of their amazingly "successful" IB program . . .

If you're going to teach locals, or UAE nationals as they're often called, they will really enjoy you if you stick around and show an interest in their life and culture. I taught in a local high school, and although most of the kids were thick and don't have a hope in hell of surviving in the real world, they would knock themselves out to try and please you. If you talk about cars (GTRs and Supras), football (Real Madrid and Barcelona) and ask about their culture, they'll love you.

Burqa Babe · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 9

Hi There
Just to reassure all the newbies in RAK and particularly at RKW-HCT that the majority of faculty and students are great! Laughing

RAK is also I think a great place to live. It is just the BARKING, BONKERS management you have to be aware of, especially the RSD (really scary dean Twisted Evil

) or pretends to be a Dean as her management style is one of bullying, intimidation and just plain difficult all round person and of course she has Directors support. Wink

A change in management is just wishful thinking at the moment! Of course they will both be gone one day, hopefully sooner than later and expect a HUGE party to send them on their way! Razz

Get this and you see what I mean! All ex staff/faculty have been BANNED from entering the campus....even though your spouse might still actually be there! Ex staff cannot join the community libary! It is just all too bizzare! Rolling Eyes

Still RAK does have a lot going for it. Very Happy

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

Just try to keep a low profile. Cool

I expect that the rule about prior staff/faculty entering may have some legitimacy... have you read some of the posts on here? There have been people that you wouldn't trust to come anywhere near the place after getting rid of them. Laughing

Unfortunately you end up punishing the good with the bad - which is often the side effect of most rules.

We just had a show this month on PBS (Public television in the US... purports to be sort of educational and serious) about RAK and the building plans of the new leader. Quite a change from the RAK that I first saw back when HCT first opened there.

Good Luck!!

VS