Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

The bus system was notoriously useless in the past, and was mostly used by men who will spend the whole trip staring at you as if you forgot to put on your clothes. You will have to wait and see if you are nearby any of the new bus routes and the ridership is getting more... um.. diverse. (Tom... any women using it yet? would you suggest that a Western woman new to the Gulf ride on it wearing a skirt to the knees?)

I agree that finding a dependable taxi driver is a good idea. That is what I used in Kuwait for five months until I finally got paid and could buy a car. Car pooling has its pros and cons. Also look into leasing versus buying a car. (wouldn't Hertz be the most expensive option Tom? they usually are for a rental...)

I got the impression that you are arriving in the next month or so? If true, you will have the advantage of survivable temps. The heat won't be back until late March/early April. Experimenting with transport is much better when it is not 40/120+ outside... Shop around and ask around about what the other teachers are doing. One good option is to use public transport/car pool for this first semester and then buy a car from a teacher departing in the spring.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

And, not to "pile on" on this idea of leasing a car, but I'm a little hesitant about offering such advice to a new arrival to the area. I mean, when I got here, I arrived with eyes wide open having spent 10 years in Saudi...this place is mild compared to that driving hell-hole, by my first advice WOULD NOT be going out and either buying or leasing a car to drive on your own until I got a feel from the horrible driving habits one will have to deal with on these streets!

NCTBA

P.s.- VS, the buses have gotten much better and frequent here altho I've, personally, never ridden on one. I've heard good things about them and know that, at least for the moment, unless I am mistaken, they are free. Also, too bad that the OP isn't going to work for the ADMC as they have actually organized a bus service for pick up and drop off the teachers.

[adorabilly]

isobel.

One of the other things to notice, is that HCT often rents places in groups. So many of your neighbors might just work for HCT.

so it might be possible to arrange car pooling to and from work.

Another suggestion is that if you are coming in as a group of new teachers, it might be worth it for all of you new teachers to pool to get a car and then share it (that is what the single women who came with us did. 4 of them pool together to rent a car, and then just arranged a sharing scheudle)

[Isobel]

Ok, more good advice. I'm taking mad notes as you all write! I hear you VS, I remeber riding a bus in Cairo with sleeves to my elbows (pants and scarves too) and I thought I was going to be stoned to death with stares. I think I'm coming soon too, at least I very much hope so, I spoke with HCT today and was assured that everyhting is on track. The Personnel Committee is backed up with a huge pile of files they are trying to process. I was told they will call next week with an offer (security clearance is approved)...after that i have no idea what the time frame will be before I actually get there. Any ideas?
They seem to want me immediately after I give my notice at my present position. Obviously, I'm hesitant to give my notice until I have a signed contract...but the thought of getting on a plane a day after I finish my current position, and leave my husband to sell the house, cars, everything, all while he's finishing up his masters...well.... not a great thought.

[veiledsentiments]

[adorabilly]

Isobel.

HCT HR (and I think HR throughtout the gulf) is extremely hit or miss.

They often have no idea how to handle people and dealing with them is often incredibly frustrating with lots of HURRY HURRY HURRY, and then lots of WAIT WAIT WAIT without any contact.

So don't worry too much about it. If they have told you they want you, you will get a contract soon. What is really nerve racking is waiting for your plane ticket to arrive (ours showed up the afternoon of the day before... and with kids everything packed but no plane tickets...)

HCT just finished their fall semester (yesterday) and everyone is on their winter break for the next 2 weeks. Hopefully HR is not taking the time off, but if so you might just be sitting waiting.

In the mean time do you have your documents attested, and your official degree sent to HCT?

If you are definately coming, you need to get on that ASAP because it will take 2 to 3 weeks. It is a MAJOR pain in the rear, but something they demand.

[Isobel]

I've sent them scans of my degrees and passport stuff, but nothing that has been formally attested or notorized. They've not asked for anything else...so far that is. They made it seem like they have everything they need, especially since the secuirty clearance has been passed, you mean I need to provide more documentation??!!?

[helenl]

Very rarely would HR shutdown for the two week break - most HR people have to take their holidays at other times of year.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

But, particulary at this time the ADWC doesn't have a fully staffed HR...so things might be a little slow...

NCTBA

[Isobel]

Hi again, Helenl, Adorabilly and NCTBA,
do you think I should send my official transcript to HCt anyway, right now, before they have asked for it...just to expedite matters...or wait until I hear from them as to what they actually need...notorized degree and transcripts?

[veiledsentiments]

No... they don't need it to hire you. Find out the procedure required and bring the papers with you. They are used in a later part of the process.

You don't want them to lose anything.

VS

[Isobel]

Thanks VS!!
You should open up a consultancy! I'm at home waiting for a plumber to come and deal with my frozen pipes...this -30 degree weather is getting to me, let alone my house....the thought of those UAE temps you mentioned sound better and better.

[adorabilly]

Isobel.

When you get your contract, you will also receive very indepth directions on what they need from you for your visa, their HR requirements, and the attestation process.

The attesting of the marriage license, kids birth certificates (if you have any) and any other information can be a pain in the rear (and expensive).

Now ordering a set of your official transcripts from your school and having them sent to HCT HR (if you are absolutely sure they are sending you a contract) might be a good idea, just to expedite the process.

And it will be a hurry up and wait kind of thing. Once you sign the contract, they will want you to hurry up and get your stuff attested, and then you will wait again and feel rushed in your last few days waiting for tickets.

I think they will be working over the break, and you might be in country in under a month.

[Isobel]

Ok, I'll order those transcripts.