Job Discussion Forums

[nightlyessence]

[housecat]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Thanks for sharing, nightlyessence, even though your name always makes me wonder. . .

I got that Twain quote from a creative writing prof--my most fave ever and now he has gone on to whatever is next. He was standing up for me because another English prof was on my case and the quote immediatly became my lifetime motto.

Anyway, good to know I'm not completely alone.

Other languages absolutly effect things like this. I was once counted off on a paper I'd written because about five percent of it, just randomly, was in Spanish and I didn't catche it even in review. I was spending a lot of time with native Spanish speakers and my Spanish was getting very fluent about that time. The human brain, as it turns out, is not really that much like a computer! However, the Spanish words were all spelled correctly!! Ha!

Unfortunatly, now my Spanish is quite rusty and usually comes out mixed with Mandarine. It's not pretty, but I do get amazed at what the mind can come up with without even giving you any say in the matter.

So this is officially off topic, I guess.

[MGreen]

If you are serious about coming to the UAE with your son, you need to get permission from your husband to take your child out of the country. It must be a legal document stating that you have the right to do this or that you have sole-custody. I would start working on this asap because the hiring process in the UAE is like a rollercoaster


There ia an American school in Al Ain and The Al Ain English Speaking School follows the British curriculum.

[veiledsentiments]

She has already stated that she has no contact with the father or the ability to get such a document from him.

So, is there some legal document that she can get to circumvent this?

I might ask a UAE Embassy about this detail. Emphasizing that the father has disappeared... country of abode unknown for X years... or some such...

VS

[housecat]

Thanks to both of you, MGreen and VS, for your concern in this matter of traveling with my child. I am quite concerned about this, actually, as I have no idea what the usual procedure is. MGreen brought me a little closer, but I do need to do more research.

I can't yet pm, but if you can pm me, I'll talk to you more about this. I need to be careful what is publicly available. Sounds mysterious, right? Not really as intriging as it sounds, but legal stuff sometimes bites! I will say that my husband is not American, doesn't have residency rights here, and doesn't live here. So, he's already in another country from his child. Maybe that helps?

This really brings me to another topic of concern that I voiced and hasn't really been addressed. MGreen alluded to a rollercoaster employment process? I hate rollercosters! How long is this ride? Should I actually try to apply for positions now when I won't be ready to move for at least one year, maybe longer?

Edit* I also wanted to confirm that there were no Ameican curriculum schools in Al Ain? I just don't know anything about the British curriculm and don't know that my son may not need to move back into the school system here at some point.

[MGreen]

There IS an American school (American curriculum) in Al Ain.

When were you thinking of coming to the UAE? Fall 2008 recruitment has started already. The process can take anywhere from a few months to 6 months.

Housecat, you may have to see a lawyer and definitely contact the UAE Embassy (like VS said) for the exact details and the kind of proof that you need.


Housecat I've PMed you.

[housecat]

Thanks for so much helpful info!

I'm thinking of moving in fall 09 or spring 10. I told you I plan like a crazy woman! I over think almost everything, but in terms of family I have a mother who is in very bad health and a brother who can't seem to get his own stuff in order, and that's it. In other words, no support. Since I'm raising my son now, I really can't afford to make mistakes.

That's why I'm considering the Middle East and trying to research it for so long. I was thinking about Japan, too, and I've been there, speak a little Japanese, and know a person or two there, but my own sense of adventure and wonderlust is intrigued by a new place.

And the salarys and cost of living in the Mid East are alluring. It's very difficult to support a child, even just one, on one income here in the States and my husband doesn't send any support. So I see the Mid East as a chance to build a financial base. When I left my husband, I left with nothing. It has been extremely hard getting statted here, and I know I'll never get very far on a teacher's salary. If I have some savings to invest, or at the very least have the house paid off, that will make things much easier to handle.

So, That's how I'm thinking. What do you say? Am I anywhere near on target?

[veiledsentiments]

I'd say that it is a possibility to look into again when you are closer to the point of sending out the CVs. Things can change in 2 years - both from your end and in the ME. I would suggest that you just keep monitoring the threads here and read about the different countries... not just the Middle East.

Ask a question now and again so that you can get up to the number of posts that allow you to send PMs too.

VS