Job Discussion Forums

[UAE_CanTeach]

Does anybody have any information about working with IAT in Abu Dhabi? I would like to know about issues such as whether or not salary is paid on time, teaching resources (projectors to present PowerPoints and any other resources available in classrooms), overall work conditions (fair work conditions--reasonable number of teaching hours, what kind of extra work, reasonable and effective management), the amount of assistance they give when teachers arrive (helping with securing accommodation, setting up bank accounts, organizing transportation), or anything else that people may know about the organization. IAT has been very organized and professional throughout the recruitment process so my initial impression is that it is a well-run organization. Some posts in the forums seem to suggest otherwise. Legitimate complaints or just fussy people complaining over small issues that are best left alone?

Thanks guys

[veiledsentiments]

Did you look down this page? There are already at least three current threads with IAT in the title. A search will probably bring up more.

I wouldn't expect that starting a new thread is suddenly going to start getting positive posts.

VS

[Geronimo]

I share your interest in finding out more hard information
about the IAT operation, UAE_CanTeach.

Have you explored the IAT's main website yet?

http://www.iat.ac.ae/

The answer to your PowerPoint question can be found via the 'IAT videos' link in the 'About IAT' drop-down menu.
Watch the 'IAT and Modern Technology Part 1' video.

And the dates of the 'New Faculty Campus Orientation' are available via the
'Academic Calendar' link, i.e....

http://point.iat.ac.ae/en/Curriculum/Documents/ATHS_Academic_Calendar_2011_2012.pdf

In view of the massive amount of teacher recruitment taking place -
for Kaplan International are currently looking for over 70 teachers -
it is clear that IAT is embarking upon a new era.

Geronimo

[UAE_CanTeach]

Thanks Guys,

Yes, I did read the previous threads before posting. Just hoping for some balanced perspectives as to the pros and cons regarding the school, its facilities, and the overall operation as opposed to the deluge of negative comments that dominate the threads. Surely there must be some people who have had a positive working relationship with IAT.

I have gone through the IAT website Geronimo, but missed the academic calendar. Thanks for that.

Best to all and thanks for the heads up.

[Middle East Beast]

[secretsquirrel]

Yes, it seems that IAT & Krapland are desperate for teachers, so they are matching like for like by offering desperate pay and benefits. I have seen their adverts on tefl.com, and the posts look OK, until you actually ask just what IS a 'competitive' salary and HOW MUCH (or little) the allowances are.

The monthly salary appears to be around 2000 quid (3000 bucks) - not good by any means if you are properly qualified and experienced. The housing allowance would only be enough if you're sharing with a gang of Indian street-cleaners, and the flight package does not include kids.

That probably explains why the education allowance is about half what it needs to be. Which means you'll spend half of your small salary paying the rest of the fees, unless you want your kids to attend the local Pakistani school.

In short, for a single or a childless teaching couple it could be a good stepping stone to something better, but it's certainly not the place to hang around too long. Even better, just avoid it - the tales of HR apathy and management mistreatment have a firm base inreality, I hear.

[JohnCB]