Job Discussion Forums

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Revert to my original post...

NCTBA

[veiledsentiments]

[smedini]

[republocrat]

I'll stick my neck out here and say it's a complete lie, RL. Many of my colleagues at HCT have Masters and even Doctorate degrees that they did by distance learning, and quite recently too. The MHESR has had no qualms in accepting theirs, so yours should be accepted too (as long as it's from an accredited University, of course).

My suspicion, knowing the antics of Al Hosn, is that they're just looking for a reason to cut your salary and make more profit for themselves. So call their bluff - say you'll leave if they don't respect your MA and the contract. After all, they should have highlighted this apparent 'problem' before signing the contract.

I think you'll find the tactics work.

Best of luck to you!

[I have been there]

Rainlover, I worked at Al Hosn years ago for a VERY short time. I also have had friends who worked there. I can assure you this is indicative of how the relationship will be. Al Hosn are sneaky, corrupt and thoroughly disgraceful in their behaviour toward teachers, especially language teachers. The good people leave... Expect that any contract you sign will not be honoured, any agreement will be changed due to "mistakes" that are made. This is normal operating procedure. One of my former colleagues, a wonderful person and teacher, was treated miserably and contantly lied to by the management there. Go elsewhere if you can. The place is toxic

[mousette]

Hi Rainlover

Contract agreements that fluctuate are not new to Al Hosn.

During my time there, on 3 separate occasions I was asked to take on extra responsibilities, or teach an extra class, always with the proviso that I would receive extra compensation. All 3 times, memos or contracts were signed detailing the agreement. Needless to say, I did the work and when it came time to pay me it was always, "we have to check into this. There might be a mistake or a problem". Needless to say, rather quickly I searched for other employment and never again did any extras.

Many others with whom I have remained friends have experienced this very same situation with Al Hosn. Sounds like Al Hosn has learned nothing in relation to how they treat people. If you have qualifications, and it sounds like you do, leave.

Thank God I got out when I did, I have been working in a college I enjoy, with colleagues I respect. You can do better.

[rainlover]

Wow, I'm learning alot about the school, and wish I had known this before I set up shop there. But, I will say this: they called me last night (the admin assistant that I've been dealing with), and we confirmed everything regarding getting the paperwork to them and getting the visa on time. I know this is a very small school (only 5 yrs old) and I think their staff and procedures are being hammered out as they go through growing pains and what not. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, and try to be understanding to a certain degree. Having said that, I did stipulate that if I had to use my BA as the means to get the visa, so be it, BUT I still wanted my agreed upon salary at least by the second year. (I was trying to be generous in my comprimise). FYI: the difference in salary was 1500 dirhams a month. When I spoke with the assistant last night, I mentioned that I "knew of" teachers who had DL degrees and were teaching, and she told me that once I arrived I could begin the process of getting my MA attested and that my salary would then change. I have yet to hear from the actual administrator about all this (he's away for Ramadan), but I will now insist that the salary be changed as soon as I get the degree attested. The challenge with it is that I studied with the University of Southern Queensland (OZ), so my diploma has to be sent there for notorization, verification and attestation. It's a headache and expensive to purolate from school to office to Embassy and back, but whatever.....it's worth it.
As for issues about working extra hours and such, I simply don't do it. I dont' need the extra money, and I don't go beyond my contract, unless I want to, and then it's usually just for the students. I have no problems saying NO to such requests. And hopefully the other foreigners are professional and positive, and I'll enjoy it. I know the best way to do that is to have as little to do with administration as possible. It's the same in Korea. Anyways, I'll keep you updated on what happens. Thanks for all your input.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Insist away...yer entering a crapshoot at best...Good Luck!

NCTBA

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[veiledsentiments]

Seriously rainlover, they have had 5 years and thus far, mainly they are sounding not just disorganized, but downright dishonest. Personally I think they are lying about the MA in order to underpay you. I would not trust them to give you the pay "in a year" (and why a year?? if you have a completed MA - certificate and transcript in hand, there should be NO waiting). DO NOT NEGOTIATE WITH THEM ON THIS!!

If they sent you an offer and you accepted it, that is what they should pay you. NOW... or let them find someone else to... let's say... try to screw out of their pay. (employers like this really piss me off... and we will make sure that the news on them is out here on Dave's)

This sounded smarmy to me from the start and now we have two posters who have confirmed their unreliability. Let them find someone else in the next couple weeks to start their semester... or let them pay you what they first offered.

If you let them push you around now, they will never stop... and be ready to leave the first time your pay check isn't what was originally agreed upon. If they honor their original offer, we will know that they are trying to change their ways. If not... well... next time an applicant shows up here, we can tell them to stay far far away from Al Hosn.

VS

[rainlover]

Hear you loud and clear. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. I have a signed contract, and it's the only one I'm going to go with. Otherwise, they can find another teacher.
Having said that, if it happens I'll be on here asking for leads on other jobs! I might even take a break and do the CELTA part time, and then look again in the winter. But I hope it doesn't go there.
Thanks again for the advice and encouragement.

[veiledsentiments]

Good Luck and keep us posted on what happens...

VS

[Moriarty]

Rainlover

Don't hand your passport over to your employer when you arrive.

[mousette]

Veiled Sentiments' comments are not only timely, they are right on target. The simple fact is, this is a private university. If they think they can push you around, they will. Believe me, I learned.

Frankly, I asked HR where I currently work and I was informed that they would accept your MA, so Al Hosn is just trying to screw you over for a lower salary... not particularly surprising.

But, once you know you can show your strength. If you are a good teacher, do your job well, and have some patience, you can have a good life and career in the Emirates. Regardless of the mess I experienced with Al Hosn, I learned from the experience and came out of it alive. Since my nightmare with Al Hosn, I have had a wonderful experience teaching in the Emirates. I have worked in the Emirates for 5 years now and I love it. I work with an awesome teaching team that truly understands andragogy and works hard to create meaningful learning experiences. As I said previously, I respect my colleagues, the students and the work we do.

Best wishes to you regardless of the decisions you make. Do not let yourself be pushed around. You can do better than being screwed over.

Mousette

[helenl]

You'll have to give your passport to the employer to get your residency visa and labour card. However, this should only take a few weeks. It is illegal for the employer to hold the passport for any other reason and it appears that the UAE authorities will act if a complaint is made.