Job Discussion Forums

[heyevery1]

Thanks Helen, I searched the posts and found some answers to my concerns.
Here are some specific ones:
In case of any luck, we intend to move from UK. I am particulary concerned about my 14 year old who is taking her early GCSEs (Modular) in Science, ICT and Maths in year 9 this month. Is it possible that she could complete her GCSEs there? What are the odds of getting place in a school for my children in Jan? I have read some posts which suggest that it is difficult to get a place in the middle of an academic year?
Is HCT school allowance sufficient for year 7 and year 9 children in a good quality school?
Due to my kids' schooling, we have to live in Abu Dhabi. Is it possible to commute to MZ daily?
More questions to follow.
Thanks in advance!
hev1

[adorabilly]

HE1.

we live in RAK so most of my information is limited.
I would start trying NOW to get your kids on a waiting list or scheduled to start when you arrive. If you wait, you will be really pushing it.

lots of schools in AD are full, but HCT HR usually knows people and can often pull strings to get your kids in.

I'm not sure about the cost of most of the schools, but you can look them up online as most of them have websites, and you should know the education allowance from your contract.

Your going to want to live in AD for the kids and family. There are NO english speaking schools in MZ/Ruwais (AFAIK).

[heyevery1]

Thanks adorabilly,
I have sent queries to some of the schools, but so far, received no response. Not sure how long will it take for them to respond. Just wondering if the education allowance allows extras such as bus, books, uniforms, registration deposits, IGCSE exam fee etc?

Well I belong to the 'too curious group' as I haven't got any confirmation... and still in the category of 'interview passed' applicants; which doesn't mean anything lest someone picks from the pool (as I have learnt so far). I was asked in the video conference about my willingness if posted in MZ or RU... so lets see...

cheers!

hev1

[veiledsentiments]

Well... first you need an offer... (good luck!) but they are right that the schools are filled, so it may very likely take some "wasta" to get your child in any of them.

There are a number of people who do the commute every day, but it is about 2 hours each way, I believe. A friend of mine was doing it and although she liked the mgmt, faculty and students out there a lot... the commute was killing her.

VS

[heyevery1]

Thanks VS
You are right.; Its pre-mature to speculate every tiny bit... keeping hopes alive though!
BW
hev1

[adorabilly]

[heyevery1]

Thanks for this info adorabilly.
Cheers!
hev1

[NadiaK]

Actually books are covered (Adorabilly, save your receipts and put in a claim!). Bus and uniforms are not.

[adorabilly]

Nadia.

You are correct. Sorry. AT RAKESS we have to buy the uniforms in the same place, and I detest it sooooooooooooooo (you might get the idea I don't like the book store) MUCH, that I have had to argue with them to take the HCT and bill us for the books. Repeatedly.

HCT does pay for the books, and usually it is supposed to be easy to get them.

You have to pay for the uniforms, buses, and any after school activities (even if they are educational)

[heyevery1]

Thanks NadiaK & Adorabilly!

Heard the Festival of Thinkers had put everything else on hold for a week; and life turned normal just today.
Reading other posts it seems the wait time to hear from colleges is from 3-4 weeks to infinity...
so life must move on
...someone mentioned 'Wasta' ...I couldnt get it...
Cheers!
hev1

[veiledsentiments]

"wasta" - Arabic for knowing the right people who have all the right connections.

VS

[heyevery1]

Thanks VS
hev1

[heyevery1]

[veiledsentiments]

Very little will ever change in a year... but that isn't from one of the more dependable posters here. You may want to change jobs once you get a PhD. Getting it wouldn't change your current contract at most places in the Gulf, if not all. Sometimes to use the benefit of that new piece of paper, you need a new employer.

There isn't that much difference in the students. HCT has a number of levels ... some more academic than others. That said, these days I too would prefer ZU. But it has only a couple branches, so fewer opportunities there. The first job in the Gulf is often not the perfect one for us... but contracts end and applications can go out.

VS

[heyevery1]