Job Discussion Forums

quizas108 · Joined: 10 Feb 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Toronto

Hi everyone,

I've been reading all the amazing information in these forums for some time contemplating a move to the Gulf in the near future. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I'd really appreciate it.

Me: MA applied linguistics from top Canadian university, BEd from a Canadian university. More than 10 years TESL teaching experience including the last two at top Canadian universities. Overseas experience in Asia. Debt that I want to pay off. I am female, mid-career, very career focused.

Question: If the offers come through...HCT or CNAQ?

I know it's all subjective but if anyone has experience with both places or feels they have an idea, I'd love to hear.

Thank you to everyone who has provided so much useful information. It's priceless.

MrScaramanga · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221

HCT would be in the UAE, by all accounts a more interesting place than Qatar. However, with them, you never know where you'll end up. Could be Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Ruwais or Madinat Zayed, in other words in the middle of nowhere... The HCT management is also, shall we say, rather heavy-handed Rolling Eyes

At least at CNA-Q, you know where you'll be! Qatar is not exactly exciting, I'm sure you've heard, and I don't know what the CNA-Q management situation is nowadays... Perhaps others can jump in and inform on this?

Good luck!
MrS

quizas108 · Joined: 10 Feb 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Toronto

Thanks MrScaramanga!

Not too many bites here. I'm going to have to make the decision soon but I'm leaning toward CNA-Q...from the sounds of it, they have cleaned their act up in since that rather ridiculous article was posted years ago.

I just wish those who work there now, or have knowledge of both places would be a little more vocal...maybe I'll try posting in the qatar forum.

Thanks again!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 10:36 pm Post subject:

Sorry, but I hear many HCT folk are keeping thier powder dry...

NCTBA

aash · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 23

I don't have experience to teach in CNQ,but even though i would like to suggest CNQ. the main reason is you are "Canadian". CNQ only hired canadian as well you can get tax benefits of Canada( there is no tax in Qatar).

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

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

Actually there may be a tax disadvantage for Canadians at CNAQ. There has been discussion on the Qatar board of teachers having tax deducted from their salaries when by Canadian rules they would be exempt overseas. I don't know the Canadian tax rules and it sounded like neither did CNAQ or its teachers. Laughing

Another disadvantage of choosing CNAQ right now is that the rumors are getting stronger and stronger that it is on its way out. Expectations are that the opening of the new American Community College will be the final straw in its demise.

VS

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

I've worked with lots of Canadians in the past and work with one now. They all say the same thing, that the Canuck government will do anything to get its hands on your money. If you have ANY type of tie to the homeland, such as a credit card debt or a bank account...let alone a house, or even a car!--they will take that as evidence you are NOT living overseas indefinitely, and they will want to apply their harsh income tax on you.

Yes, even stuff in storage back home gives them an excuse! That's what I'm told anyway. Canucks tend to sell everything they have before taking an overseas job if they want to avoid income tax.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA