Job Discussion Forums

[MGreen]

HCT in Al Ain starts the first week of September.

[globalnomad2]

VS--You're right!! Eid after Ramadan has always meant a week's vacation at my employers and when it migrates to the summer, it's gone. I'm leaving the Middle East just in time

[Afra]

HCT classes start 2nd September and Ramadan is due to start on 13th.

[veiledsentiments]

Is there any discussion yet of what they will do next year and the years after? And if past history is any guide, the schools will do one thing and the universities will do another. Which translated means that many families will not come back to the country until after Eid based on the school schedule... the university schedule was always ignored...

...as if first semester wasn't already messy enough...

The best approach would seem to be to just move whole academic year forward for a few years... start later - after Eid, and end later in the spring.

VS

[Afra]

HCT isn't famous for forward planning!

[veiledsentiments]

[Afra]

And we'd be shocked if they did!

[globalnomad2]

They have to consult the Moon Committee no matter what. One time the mullahs mistook William Shatner's face for a full moon and thought Ramadan was half-over. "Denny Crane!" Shatner said, setting the mullahs straight.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, no, I haven't become 007--you're culturally deprived

[ArtyCycle]

Hey Comrades,
Can you give me another hand. I've just sent the security clearance fom and contract has been signed and all. Now I've been directed to fill in a flight arrangements form. I've been told to come as soon as possible.

But I've asked for a time line. Would there be a term starting in the next month or so? Before Christmas. When does the next term start? Would it not be early January? When do you reckon would be a good time to get there?
I suppose I would like to have plenty of time to orientate. There's furniture to buy eh..and all that kind of thing..setting myself up and all. But would I be better to arrive a bit later? Say after Christmas?

Also can I break my journey at a place along the way and spend some time there. How do they remunerate you? Do they buy the ticket for you or can I do my own thing and ask them to pay me later or whatever? you know what I mean?

Sure would appreciate some advice. They don't seem to want to talk to me. They seem kind of cold and officious. Or is it me?

[abudhabi]

ArtyCycle - If things haven't changed since I began here (and MANY things HAVE), you'll pay your own ticket then get it reimbursed. They will pay for up to the rate they have established (from travel agents) for your route. If you wish to deviate to more places and it is more expensive than their rate, you won't get reimbursed for the difference. Keep the receipts!!

Don't worry about the start or ending of terms - if they want you now it is because some poor sod is probably doing overtime under protest/duress and you are needed now.

HCT usually give you an orientation that includes several days for furniture hunting and they give you the money to do that as soon as you arrive.

Anyway, get the facts from the HR dept - just number your questions and they should respond in kind.

[metateacher]

How is your memory? You remember 1000's of things everyday and think nothing of it. When you forget 1 thing you curse it. That is the best way I can describe HCT. It's generally good and unremarkable but sh1t happens everynow and again which makes you wonder.

In general, my college is a great place to work. Excellent professional teachers (on the whole) fabulous resources and generally supportive managers, reasonable hours and fairly good pay. Then there are the odd things like meetings called on Christmas day from 3-5pm; being made to attend a conference and pay for the privilege because the Sheikh will be there; when students are caught cheating in exams or on projects, staff being blamed for not giving students enough prior warning about cheating or not writing on each exam page, "You are not allowed to copy on this page!" Petty documentation and administative nonsense that is filed away never to be seen again is annoying. Too much student power especially the dreaded Student-teacher evaluations whichgive vindictive students the opportunity to twist the knife. The fact that so much of it is show and no substance.

Also, it's the other non teaching things that get you. The assistance with education falls far short of what you need to educate secondary age children. Apparently if you live in Dubai the free unfurnished accomodation is very basic. I have been told most new staff are put up in Mirdiff which would be like living in Hounslow in London and right under the flight path to the airport. It is miles out of town and there are no hotels and so no bars anywhere near it. Inflation is running at over 10% (don't believe government figures) and dollar depreciation is killing the salary(5 Dhs to the pound to 7.5 Dhs to the pound is a 50% drop)

Overall it's not so bad but as you're working in the Gulf it's not anywhere as good as it used to be.

[ArtyCycle]

I'm gonna try and skype recruitment today, it being the first day of the week over there eh. But can I ask you some things too just in case.
1. Would you happen to know when this term finishes and when next year's begins? How long a break for Christmas and New Year? Any ? Yeah I do have committments to deal with.
2. The new hire CD talks of " "under special circumstances" in probable relation to routing of flight etc. I notice one poster to this column mentions getting ticket sent to them. But the CD mentions remuneration at later point.
3. Would you reckon it's worth trying to bring a few materials that I've amassed over theyears. I feel loathe to throw them ....but the weight .. If so, does HCT cover transit of stuff as extended baggage allowance or would it pay for freight do you reckon?

[veiledsentiments]

The first day of the week is now Sunday. The weekend has changed from T/f to F/S.

Break for Christmas and New Years? Christmas is a workday like any other in a Muslim country and they also use a different calendar. This year it coincides closely with the Eid al-Adha, so some people may have it off.

The rest of your questions I will leave for others.

VS

[saluki]

The HCT works on a 2-semester academic year. The current semester ends on 24th Jan and the second semester begins on Feb 10th. It is possible that you are being recruited for that date, though people arrive at various times in the academic year depending on need and availability of staff. This may be a reason why they are asking when you will be abailable.

As VS says, Christmas day is a normal working day. A holiday is given on Jan 1st for New Year and other than that, this academic year there is possibly one other holiday during the semester which ends on June 19th (I think). If you have other committments, then just say you will be available mid Jan and they will make their arrangements accordingly.

You get a relocation allowance which should have been mentioned in the contract you signed, if not, that's another question for HR. If you know what campus you will be working in, it would be better to call the HR person in that college, as they will be your contact person closer to the time anyway.

[ArtyCycle]

Thanks Adorabilly, Abu, Meta, Veiled, & Saluki,
Very helpful. You are kind.
Arty