Job Discussion Forums

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:29 am Post subject:

With a family your size, you should save at least 40%. With what you've quoted...you won't...

Why else would one want to uproot their family to move half-way (I'm imagining!) around the world into an absolutely different culture to, possibly, make ends meet? Tell 'em to up the offer or take a hike. You'll absolutely LOVE Abu Dhabi...but not under those conditions!

Tom???

NCTBA

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Another education issue is whether you can get your child enrolled in a decent school that the 54K will cover. I understand that the waiting lists are shorter than have been in the past, but it's an issue you should be looking into now.

As for the housing allowance - it may be sufficient to get you something acceptable NOW - however, if the real estate market takes off again - you'll be screwed.

dylanjamal · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Thanks for the info,,
I was checking the websites of couple schools in AD including the Canadian one and the fee for one child is around 20K per year which is not too bad for the coverage I have but of course do not how bad/good they are... still checking the net for that.....

You are absolutely right about the real estate market... no one can predict tomorrow,,,,... I see (from the net of course) many people getting out from AD to Dubai and commuting every day, the down side Driving every day Sad

but that the life...
again thanks,,
Kovan

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

Dylan: The reason the "Canadian" school is 20K per rugrat is that it is pretty much a joke.. You get what you pay for. The school where mine goes costs around 55K...again, you gets what you pays for...

NCTBA

dylanjamal · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Oh, my goodness,,
I will never send my kid into a JOKE school... My priority in this LIVE is my kids
I will scarify my life for them ( I think all agree on that)
do you recommend me to a good schoole in AD or even in Dubai..
much appreciated,,

oartur · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Hi,
this post is really useful, however it's relevant to Abu Dhabi. At the moment I'm considering a (final, I think!) offer for a assistant professor in engineering @ Kustar in Sharjah:
- 15.5k basic salary
- 10.5k allowance
- plus medical and flights benefits.

I don't have much teaching experience but quite a few years of research exp. From the previous post it looks as if it were on a low side and even with the partial relevant experience the salaries may be higher? (this is my 1st question)

On the other hand, this is Sharjah, so does this count as much lower living costs? I'm still not clear on accomodation cost, say 1bdr flat.

I'd be coming over with wife which most likely would spent long time looking for jobs (film-related), or receiving costly training, commuting to Dubai, so I need to consider this. I was hoping to save as well.

Any insights on this as well on the working environment in Sharjah, Kustar?
Many thanks

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Sharjah, while cheaper than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, is not cheap anymore. Even Ajman is getting more expensive. Is the 10.5 k your housing allowance? As has oft been stated here in the past - allowances should be avoided in favour of accomodation being provided. However, you weigh your option and take your chances - I would guess you should be able to get an acceptable 2 bedroom flat - whether location is acceptable is another issue. You will also need $$ for a car and utilities (which can vary widely depending on what type of accomodation you get).

Good luck

oartur · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

thanks for a quick reply!
Well 26k Dhrs (10.5+15.5 split) is all I get and while I'm sure it is enough to live in UAE, I'm more concerned whether it is a good salary and worth the hustle. I have seen mentions of better offers for assist. prof. around in the forums. One would expect (apart from getting interesting work experience) to save and in general, feel recompensated for moving abroad..?

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

Oartur
I am on holiday.
Your housing is cash therefore if you find a modest flat/studio for say 50K per year you keep the cash so you could bbe earning 20K per month. Quite possible in Sharjah.
Tom

rana · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 31

i honestly don't think that salary is good. my husband is an Engineering prof and he was told that KUSTAR's salaries were comparable to USA salaries (for Engineering profs at the latest ASEE conference in Austin) when he met a recruiter from KUSTAR. the salary you quote is not enough for Engineering, you need to do your research and ask for more $$$, lots more. if i were you i would write a counter offer and explain why you are asking for $$$. the $$$ is there but if they can get away with paying less they will.

oartur · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks Rana. It does sound you're right from what I've found in this forum..

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

I agree... many MAs are being offered better packages from various UAE employers.

VS

tatsuo1 · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 75

[quote="oartur"]Hi,
this post is really useful, however it's relevant to Abu Dhabi. At the moment I'm considering a (final, I think!) offer for a assistant professor in engineering @ Kustar in Sharjah:
- 15.5k basic salary
- 10.5k allowance
- plus medical and flights benefits.

I don't have much teaching experience but quite a few years of research exp. From the previous post it looks as if it were on a low side and even with the partial relevant experience the salaries may be higher? (this is my 1st question

oartur · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

rana · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 31

just to give you an idea back in 2003 my husband was told by AU Sharjah salary alone would be 55k and at that point he had 5 yrs teaching behind him.