Job Discussion Forums

tonyhanna1 · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 7

Hi,
I got a preliminary offer to work in this school yesterday and thought it was a good opportunity before going online to read reviews!!!!
Man this school seems to be horrible in treating its staff members.

If you have any updated info about the school and about life in Al-Ain in general please let me know before I sign my contract!

Thank you all,
Tony

homeless vet · Joined: 01 Apr 2009 Posts: 80

Life in Al Ain is quite provincial and "colonial." The new Spinney's has added somewhat to the quality of the cuisine you can cook at home, but other than that, there are few good restaurants in town, only three hotels and one store at which you can purchase haram beverages, and few cultural or entertainment options. Most folks buy a membership to the Palm, Rotana, or Intercon sports clubs so that they don't totally turn into vegetables while there. The mall at Bawadi has a nice cinema and ok basic shopping, but the other malls are a bit too local for most expat tastes. Dubai is 90 minutes away (will be shorter once the construction is finished in the fall, insh'allah) and Abu Dhabi is about 70 minutes away. Al Ain doesn't have as large of a western expat population as to Abu Dhabi or Dubai, so there isn't as much to do. Of course, I know people who have lived and worked there for 10+ years, so it is ok for some.

tonyhanna1 · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 7

Thank you homeless vet, very useful info!
Cheers,
Tony

sandy gallop · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Location: San Dunia

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

That link also has links to threads back here... this is from 2007. The last post in 2009 suggests that the problems still exist.

tonyhanna needs to do one more post and he can send PMs... (5 is the number)

VS

tonyhanna1 · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 7

Dearest VS,
Can you please explain what PM means? Sorry if I sound naive but...My head is on vacation Very Happy

tonyhanna1 · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 7

Hi VS,
Please ignore my previous message so that you don't question my IQ level!!! Very Happy

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

Don't worry... newbies to the board often don't understand our shorthand if they aren't used to discussion boards. Cool

VS

KhaleejiyaJewels · Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 2

Hi Tony.
I interviewed with the director of Madar in AlAin last week and am currently awaiting the Ministry of Education to approve my credentials before they offer me a contact. I am curious if you signed with them, and what you think of the school.
I have had a couple of people warn me about small, private international schools here, but since time is running out for me to find a job, I am finding my options are limited.
I am currently in AlAin looking for other schools, but since its Ramadan operations are moving at a snail's pace.

Good Luck!

tonyhanna1 · Joined: 09 Aug 2010 Posts: 7

Dear Khaleejiya,
I interviewed with them by phone and personally and to be honest the impression that I got matched the negative reviews I read online. I felt that the system was copy-paste from SABIS and that they lacked professionalism so I didn't sign!
Good luck 2 u!
Tony

KhaleejiyaJewels · Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 2

Tony-
Good luck with your job search. I just got an email from them and I will go in soon to look at the contract.
Hopefully you find a good school here in AlAin.