Job Discussion Forums

[mli_vet]

Noticed MLI is interviewing again for their "expanding programs." To those who have been/still are there, what are some good questions for candidates at these upcoming interviews? (Or perhaps, should these not be asked if you really need the job? All depends . . . )

To start . . .

1. Will MLI help with the paperwork needed to get wife/family (if applicable) to UAE in timely manner?
2. How long will it take for my salary to be paid on time on a consistent basis (i.e. for more than a few months in a row)?
3. Could you describe the current professional environment situation for teachers (respect, level of contentedness, morale, etc.).
4. Would it be possible to see a copy of the contract before actually arriving (jet lagged and already committed) in Abu Dhabi?
5. Why'dja do that low blow to AMIDEAST like that? Have you done that/are you considering doing that to any of your teachers? (Tell the truth now!); "that" = renewing contract "Just kidding! Har! HAr!! Har!!!"
6. Can I bring my "(very, extremely) significant other"?

Other ideas . . . ? ? ?

Get your answers to these questions and hop on board for one of the most exciting ( ) gigs in ESL. If only one didn't have to worry about such questions, this might be a truly great gig ! ! !

MLI Vet
Over and Out

[Cleopatra]

How about "Will women teachers have to work evenings?"

(Re: the discussion below"No Ladies Allowed")

[johnslat]

Dear Cleopatra,
And, if so - will that make them "Ladies of the Evening"?

LADIES OF THE EVENING

From The Boys From Syracuse 1938
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers

LADIES:

Poor little daughters of the moon
When the sun is dawning
What is as sour as a day in June
For the ladies of the evening
In the morning?
Lost is the music of the night
For the daily clamor.
Noses are red and cheeks are white.
Where the hell's our glamour?
Where the hell's our glamour!

POLICE:

We let the burglars take their snatch
To the shop for pawning.
All that we ever aim to catch
Is the ladies of the evening in the morning.
All night they bring rich men to grief
Till they have no cash left.
Cops can't afford the good roast beef
But we have the hash left.

ALL:

A plum becomes a prune.
A joke becomes a pun,
And daughters of the moon
Must stray beneath the sun.
Let them earn an honest drachma
While the moral girls are yawning.
A policeman's lost
Is ladies of the evening
In the morning.
So start the day
The Police Department way
With the ladies of the evening
In the morning.

Regards,
John

[tefllifer]

So, you ask the right questions, get reasonable sounding answers, accept the job - and, then, when you are there, find out the reality is different and that the rules have changed and the people who interviewed you have disappeared or are suffering from amnesia, etc., etc., then what?

[nrandserial]

Another question to ask is, if you are a single parent, will you possibly be put on evening shift. Your kids will be at school till about 2 pm then you will start your evening shift!

Basically people need to know before they sign up that where they will work and when they will work are not at all guaranteed. And new destinations may also arise! While they may claim to take your personal preferences and situation into account - it is your seniority as encased in your military ID number that can be used to trump over any other considerations, if the admin so wishes.

[Cleopatra]

Well, John, I suppose it beats "Ladies of the Night".

Doesn't it?

[mli_vet]

Another question for candidates to consider:

If a national comes to Zayed Military Hospital (or branch location "clinic") with an ingrown toenail, and I'm there with a serious condition (broken leg, for example, compound fracture), who is likely to be seen first?

Disclaimer: OK, maybe it's not quite that bad, but seriously, candidates will want to ask about the "medical coverage" provided. Many MLI teachers opt for private clinics rather than the ZMH circus, paying out of their own pocket for minor things. I could ramble on about my visits to this place--Pakistani military medics yelling very loudly at very ill patients being wheeled down the halls (on their deathbeds it seemed in a few cases--shu hatha?!?!! ID number--rakum al askari?!?!! Ismak?!?!?!), lack of privacy, waiting all day in line just to get something like a blood test, etc. Ask those questions now, cuz they won't be allowed later! Don't say you weren't warned ! ! ! If you have a spouse or children, multiply the headache factor by the appropriate number!

MLI Vet
Over and Out