Job Discussion Forums

parvastella22 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

Hi Boards,

It's been probably 2-3 years since I've last posted here. I went and got my master's. Looking for more information about PI currently. I'm expecting a phone interview soon, so I'd like to know more details (been reading up on the faculty handbook).

Relocation? I've seen posts about housing and accomodations but they're outdated.

Contract period?

Transportation for females? I can drive myself...yes? Yes?

Culture in general? I haven't had any UAE students; only Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Omani. I am not sure if I should be outside wearing shorts...t-shirt? Blouse? Help!

Thanks board!

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

We haven't had an update on the situation at PI for a couple years now. They seem to have been doing little hiring. That said, we've had no complaints. Laughing

I can only answer a couple of questions. Yes, you can buy or lease a car and get a local driving license. (be sure to have a current valid license from your home country)

Contract periods are usually 3 years in the UAE, but not sure about PI. The least would be 2. That should come up in the interview.

The dress code for work would be conservative - especially if you are teaching men. Personally I would never have worn shorts or anything sleeveless in public, but I expect that you will see expats prancing about in most anything these days. It does tend to confirm their stereotypes. I kept my sleeves to the elbow... for warmth, if nothing else... the AC seems to be always set at freeze. Cool

Hopefully someone with up-to-date info about PI will show up, but this is the summer travel period so most teachers are on the road.

VS

Splitting Hairs · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Posts: 99

Used to want to work for the PI (Foundation) but for the last two years have heard only negative things so I am staying where I am at the moment. There were many laying off of staff, backdoor politics and a couple of people I know who used to work there say that it is a 'difficult' place to work. However, if you are applying to work in the program it is a bit better by all accounts.