Job Discussion Forums

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

Ok. Here goes.

It pays 10,400 a month. Approx 20 contact hours. Married accomodation given ( house ) but have to pay utilities. School is 10 minutes away by car so presumably have to hire a car or buy one? ( The school has a 2 year contract ). Free education for my son.

Is this a good salary for Al Ain? Any comments appreciated.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

How many years experience do you have? Are you a qualified teacher? I would say that's an average salary to expect for Al Ain (going on a hunch here), though that's more of a starting salaryfor a newly qualified teacher in some of Dubai's better schools.

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I am quite certain that you would earn more in Abu Dhabi or Dubai (perhaps starting around 13,000/month), but then there are so many more ways to spend you money in the larger emirates. However, if you would prefer the pace of life in Al Ain then I would guess that it's in general range...perhaps still a bit on the low side, but that's just my two cents.

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

Your reply is appreciated. I have talked at length with a couple of my colleagues who spent several years in the UAE and the general consensus seemed to be that life in Al Ain was more suited for those with young children as I have.

I think I,m going to accept this offer. I did have a Teacher Trainer position offered to me by Sabis which paid 2000 dirhams more but I turned it down on the basis of a 45 hour week over 5 1/2 days.

The school management have said that many of the teachers in Al Ain do pick up privates at approx. 100 dirham per hour and the school has no objection to this. Plus its the English National Curriculum which I am familiar with.

Many thanks for your response and have a good day.

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

For 20 contact hours in Al Ain with the other benefits, that's a pretty good offer. It's more than I make for 27 contact hours, although I have about half of your experience.

ardiles81 · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 71

I am in two minds about responding to this one as I do not want to put you off.

The school has a very bad recent history which I am sure you have googled. However, it has a new head of secondary who, unlike the overall principal, seems very good. Priamry gets by on the professionalism of its staff rather than leadership. The problem is the owner who does not like to spend money on his staff.

Go with an open mind, enjoy AA, expect the unexpected and avoid cliques. The kids are great, most staff are too if a little disillusioned.

Good luck the school needs fresh, experienced and enthusiastic blood.

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

Ardiles: Which school are you talking about?

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

AAESS

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Go for it! The school needs Qualified Teachers and because you're not a newby, you'll be greatly prized. For your benefit, though, I'd be agreeing to a 1-year contract only. When you get here, you'll realize there are much better opportunities than that!

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

holbrook · Joined: 14 Jun 2003 Posts: 60

Al Ain is the best place in the UAE for anyone with children. As long as you enjoy nice weather and better housing that is. The other posters are correct that with a teaching license from the UK you could make more in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, but as someone who spent years in the UAE trying to finally get to Al Ain, I think you are making the right choice.

As for the school. My children love it. It doesn't have the newest or nicest facilities but they are making some new buildings now. Most of the staff is great and the kids are a nice diverse mix. Most of the kids are children of UAE University staff so they tend okay. My kids and spouse are all happy with the school and look forward to next year.

Good luck.

MrScaramanga · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221

Yes, you would get a higher salary in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but you would also most likely have to commute to work in heavy traffic. Leisure activities such as club memberships, dining out and so on would also be a lot more costly than in Al Ain. With a kid, I say go to Al Ain!
Hope this helps.
MrS

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

I think the salary is a little low so what i would do is try and negotiate a bit.

Negotiating is not frowned upon here and if you don't ask you will never know.

Ask for 12k a month and see if they will up the offer.

The worse that can happen is they say no and you are stuck with the original offer.