Job Discussion Forums

I Rub Ruchi · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 45 Location: USA

One of the male teachers at my school has been offered a job working in Fujairah at a middle school for boys as a teacher mentor. He is single and has no children.

So much has been posted here concerning women working for MAG with few comments regarding men working at schools for boys. Could someone post comments as to how it might be for men?

More importantly, could someone place at least one positive comment regarding this program? Or are feelings as honestly hostile as this site apprears? One word of support will help in the decision making process.

My co-worker has seen schools in Central America, Korea, and Thailand. All three were good experiences, even with the difficulties.

Thanks in advance

boondoggle · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 104

The management fired over half the teaching staff for no apparent reason. I'm not exaggerating in the least when I say this. The visionaries of MAG all resigned or were forced out. What's left is a national in charge and a few incompetent western authoritarian types left to ruin whatever is left of the program.

They are offering 11.5 month farce contracts that seem to be there to skirt labor laws. The "3 year" contract is a joke because no ones know if the program will survive in its current state. If you get canned they will generally screw you on the way out. I've heard of several teachers who did not receive anything at the end and had to pay out of their own pocket on top of what they got screwed out of.

MAG has been pretty crap for both male and female teachers. I'd say it's a gamble to sign on with them now. You must be able to endure above average B.S. and fairly inconsistent classroom conditions set by whoever is your team leader or principal at the school. You could get a real ass as a TL or end up totally under the thumb of a Emirati national who views you as a little more than a western water boy.

The bright side? Well, maybe the pay but you can earn a comparable salary elsewhere with more job security and less hassles.

Good luck. People here aren't bitter the program is just total nonsense.