Job Discussion Forums

[shonrand]

Hello All,

I've interviewed with Emirates National School in Al Ain, and I'm curious about their reputation. I spoke with the Head of School and the Principal of the Boys School. They seemed very above board and professional. I haven't yet received an offer, as they're checking my references now.

Pay would range from 2900 USD a month to 3700, depending on qualifications. I've got an MA and two years f/t teaching experience, so I'm not sure yet where I'd fall on that scale.

Any experience with or advice about the school?

Also, as I'm thinking about moving there, how easy/expensive is it to travel to, say, Europe from the UAE?

Thanks!
S.

[helenl]

Don't know about ENS- travel - check the major airlines. You'll find most use Dubai as a stopover/hub for onward travel to Europe

[BrownSauce]

A couple of years back the place was geting some heavy criticism, and I doubt that things have changed. It was the usual problems of Arab management, unkept promises, and unwarranted favoritism.

Do a search on this forum, and google the name - there's a branch in Abu Dhabi too, I believe, so google both.

At worst, you've been prepared in advance for a potentially negative experience. Go in with your eyes wide open, take no krap from anybody, and be prepared to stand up for yourself.

And quit if necessary.

PS: found this warning for you here -

http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?p=3668

[shonrand]

Okay, thanks. Any recommendations on schools which are good and which I should apply at?

[shonrand]

All my browsing and reading indicates that while ENS isn't considered the best school in Al Ain, the Al Ain campus seems to have a much better reputation than the one in Abu Dhabi. I'd love to hear from anyone who's worked at the Al Ain campus.

They've offered me employment, at almost 3100 USD per month, beginning at the end of August.

[teacherinabudhabi]

ENS have many different schools located around the UAE. Your experience will differ slightly in each one. The management like in many schools in the middle east are far removed from the day to day going ons in the the classroom. This leads to many poor decisions that will often infuriate you as a teacher.

Like other schools in the region however your ability to work here will depend on what kind of person you are. The city school in Abu Dhabi primary or secondary girls are not the worst places to be. The facilities and resources are better than many other schools I have seen.

At the end of last year there was alot of animosty as management let alot of staff members go with very little notice to find other jobs. In saying that however they are currently trying to improve the situation in ENS and only time will tell if they manage to change things for the better.

As for travelling to Europe depending on where you are flying to it can be expensive especially during school holidays. It is a lot cheaper to fly to Asia countries such as India, Nepal etc and there are now two low cost airlines that flydubai and Air Arabia that fly from Dubai and Sharjah

[shonrand]

Good info on airlines. Thanks. I'm on the flydubai site now.

Regarding working, you're saying that if I'm flexible, I'll probably be okay, right?