Job Discussion Forums

[homeless vet]

[uaeobserver]

Teaching at HCT can be fun, as long as you stay away from the lunatics.
(more often your colleagues, not the students)

The school is open admission, and occasionally admits "wasta" students that have no business being in a classroom. otherwise.

The school markets itself as being much more than it really is.

This is NOT a western education environment. Critical, self-reflective thinking is not encouraged or tolerated. The central administration in Abu Dhabi has an entire army of spies that wander around the system, reporting back to the esteemed VC and his head-nodding minions.

Ironically, the school is the main platform for several "academic" conferences that feature Nobel laureates, VIPs, and dignitaries. There's hundreds of New York City elite who still fondly remember that cute little (world class) school in the UAE headed up by that nice little Arab man. ....
Chances are, you'll have a chance to help sustain these illusions.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[sheikh yer money-maker]

I've been given an offer from HCT. But, I keep reading negative information about it.

Is it bad as I keep on reading about, or just a lot of disgruntled employees? What would cause so much disgruntlement?

Thanks for any insights!

[helenl]

HCT is undergoing a major shift in its educational focus. It has been a goal of the current VC and his super duper directors to effect change from a vocational type college to a degree granting institution. Much to the detriment of the students and the UAE marketplace. Most HCT students will never complete an acrredited university program - they have found diploma programs difficult enough in the past.

In this shift of focus, HCT is doing away with ongoing EFL teaching support - once the students hit a certain level (whether it is IELTS or other standard) they will no longer receive EFL instruction. This is a major mistake - these students do not live in an English language environment - they need ongoing language support to even have half a chance at success.

There is a place for diploma graduates in Emirati business society - however, HCT in its shortsightedness is ignoring that market.

As for disguntled employees, arbitrary and illogical decisions, personal vendettas at some colleges, the usual spies, etc.etc. have finally hit a flashpoint with the lastest UAEU and curriculum changes. Most employees would like to help their students succeed at the level at which they are capable to entering into the workforce - but like so many institutions in the GCC - it's all show - it doesn't matter if there is any substance so long as it looks like good things are happening.

[Middle East Beast]

[veiledsentiments]