Job Discussion Forums

Glaswegian · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 10

I have applied for few university teaching jobs in the Middle East for 2009 August start and expecting interviews in the coming months. HCT and ZU is few among them (Interview dates are not confirmed, however �screened in� for both interviews. I am in the writing up stage of my PhD and only have 4 years of experience.

I did a quick search in this forum and found they do video conferencing/ telephonic interview. I would like to know from experienced ppl, how they are doing the video conferencing interviews.

Specifically

(1) What are the common questions?
(2) Tricky Q&A?
(3) Do they ask for a presentation / demonstration lesson as it seems to be quite common in the US/UK lectureship interviews?
(4) Will they discuss the salary part in the first interview? Any need for negotiations?
(5) For August intake, when do they normally start interviews?
(6) Will they need reference, even before the interview?
(7) Do you recommend wearing formals for video conferencing?

FatFreddieFoxx · Joined: 17 Apr 2008 Posts: 24

Glaswegian, if you have, or are about to get, a PhD, what on earth are you doing applying for employment at HCT? The academic and maturity level of the students there is similar to that of Middle School, and the academic and vocational programmes are about as demanding as passing a driving test. The quality of the management is generally quite patchy, too.

If I were you, I'd stick with ZU and corresponding Universities (apart from UAEU, of course) in the Gulf region. HCT is basically a dumping ground for all those poor buggers who can't get into university, and their Foundation Programmes are very large as a result. Chances are that, as a newbie, you'd be teaching foundations students - and you certainly don't need a Phd for that sort of shenanigans!

Glaswegian · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 10

HCT [If I were you, I'd stick with ZU and corresponding Universities (apart from UAEU, of course) in the Gulf region. ]

Thank you, I was not totally aware of the difference between a University and HCT. HCT got the lowest priority. As a newbie, I applied to few places and haven't done much background research.. However I will consider it as a chance to familiarise with the Middle East interview process.

Still looking for some answers.
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like2answer · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 154

First, I must say that I agree with FFF. HCT is very much like middle school teaching. If I weren't as simple minded as I am, I'd go crazy there. I do like it, but then again, I like middle school students.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

If you're ABD, not sure I'd spend too much time with HCT.

2 out of the 20 or so people I knew from HCT had terminal credentials.

Yes - they existed. No - I wouldn't say they were terribly well used.

I think a serious academic would find ZU a little more satisfying.

colt · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 86 Location: Milky Way

While the majority of HCT students are of middle school level, my experience at the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses (men's), has shown me some really bright, mature and motivated students in the HIGHER Diploma programs.

If you have a choice, go U!, but if not, there is some learning going on at HCT, and as a PhD, you would most likely be utilized in the Higher Diploma program.