Job Discussion Forums

morbid · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 3

Hello,

My first post here so please be gentle...

Is there anyone who teaches or has taught at ADNOC-ATI? Please share your experience or PM me, I am seriously considering their offer to work there but would like some insight beyond the usual. Thanks in advance!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

I don't want to make this a useless post, but you could do worse. I have heard that the boss is supportive and I have mates who work there. The students are the usual "walking thru mud" type where the teacher winds up doing most of the work.

NCTBA

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Yeah, the academic advisor is generally supportive though the curriculum is pretty much set in stone and requires teachers to lock step--which isn't a bad idea considering the students and their career objectives--working in oil field control rooms and trying to not get anybody killed by pushing the wrong button.

In addition to learning a little English along the way during their foundation year (sort of an equivalent to a GED), they are being trained to get used to punching a clock, showing up on time, leaving on time and following corporate protocol. Disciplining rogue students is as much a part of the job as teaching them enough vocabulary to fill out an accident report.

The teaching approach is integrated, almost no emphasis on grammar, a strong emphasis on not throwing chairs at one another should a tribal dispute arise in class--but if that happens, duck.

If you live in Abu Dhabi, expect a long commute whether it's private vehicle or public transportation.

Overall, not a bad gig. Stand-up co-workers. No ties on Thursdays.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Fascinating stuff Keifer...

Just for the benefit of any searchers who bring this up later, what is the pay scale here and do they hire both men and women?

VS

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 10:38 pm Post subject:

I just deleted an inappropriate comment. Any repeats will result in sanctions. Sanctions can include banning. It would be a very good idea for everyone to stay on topic and avoid posting insulting and otherwise unacceptable comments.

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

VS,
Last I heard the pay scale had risen to above 21 -22K monthly, maybe more--but annual r/t air tickets were no longer part of the package. A single feller or a couple with one kid might actually come out ahead in the long run, but a family with multiples of kids might not especially if you have a long haul once a year.

One draw back is that you work according to the corporate calendar, not an academic one, which means though the students may have been released, there are a few weeks at mid year and end of the year when you have to show up, punch the clock and make yourself comfortable behind your desk. This is, however, a good time to try for a personal best winning streak with solitaire, watch a whole lot of DVDs or Tweet.

And unless there has been a sea change in policy--no, they do not hire women. The foundation year is not only EFL, but the equivalent of secondary school curriculum--math, science, Arabic, Islamic studies(many if not most students are drop outs). The presence of non-family member females could disrupt the learning process for these late adolescents.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Thanks Keifer...

VS

morbid · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for that!

hurricane · Joined: 06 Nov 2004 Posts: 30

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090321/BUSINESS/517409101/0/FOREIGN

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

The article is bang on though it says little about the Foundation year. I forgot to mention that twice a year they give entrance exams, so it isn't 100% open admissions--well except for the "wasta babies". And I should emphasize that admin. is pretty good at taking an instructor's word and his side when a disciplinary form is submitted--rare in these parts. I prefer teaching EAP writing and being able to develop my own supplementary materials or I'd have stayed on. It's a bit too micro-managed for my tastes.

hurricane · Joined: 06 Nov 2004 Posts: 30

So, what now with the departure of the fair and trusted hand of the senior academic adviser?

seven seas · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 65

Also, would you be an ADNOC emlpoyee and therefore get access to almost-free leisure facilities?

That's worth something.

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Seven Seas--you ARE an ADNOC employee and take the good--access to facilities open to all grunts including Emiratis (i.e. although you can't hitch a ride in the VIP elevator, you can work out in the health club and take advantage of the low cost health clinic including cheap dental)--on then other hand, you'll have to punch the clock when there are no students working essentially the same hours as the downtown suits. Prepare yourself for a long commute should you accept the offer. Bring your own lunch as I hear the new cafeteria bites.

Oh, and there used to be a nice discount for employees at the Abu Dhabi Health Club.