Job Discussion Forums

[kevouze]

Hi everybody.
My girlfriend are planning to go to the UAE to teach. I was offered a job at IAT in Al Ain as a science teacher. The package is rather good compared to what is offered for such jobs in UAE. I have read the previous posts about IAT, it scares me a bit.
Do you recommend me to acccept the offer?
People from IAT have been very professional in the seletion process, nothing to complain about. 1 hour video conference (well structured and organized), very nice and available people for the tons of emails I sent them to ask precisions.
What do you think?

Thanks!

Kevin

[Strolling minstrel]

There is general agreement that the state of secondary education in the UAE is not acceptable. The tertiary insititutions grumble that their Foundations Year is generally spent remedying deficiencies of the secondary system rather than preparing stusdents for tertiary studies. Well, it's hardly surprising. From a standing start of nothing the UAE has established over the last 20 years a credible and fully functioning tertiary sector - based mostly on US / Canada models and staff from N America and the Commonwealth. This is mainly because of the single-mindedness of Sheikh Nahyan. No such vision or drive has been attached to primary or secondary education which have floundered. Well now the heat is on. Two years ago HCT (the usual Mr. Fixit for education in the UAE) were asked to take over the old Technical Secondary High Schools. The TSHC were shambolic. Decrepit premises, low morale, etc. Just as HCT were about to launch, the Military ( a major stakeholder in the output of these institutions and a major bankroller of the initiative) stepped in and took complete control. However, much of the staffing and infrastructure was already in place so it has much of the HCT about it still. The TSHS were utterly transformed. A visit to the Al Ain school before and after left me staggered by the change that had been wrought. This is a project that is right on the frontiers of education in the UAE. It is not for the faint-hearted as much will necessarily be made up as you go along. But Al Ain in particular is a pleasant working environment where the appalling rent rises of AUH and DXB have not bitten yet (nine bed splendour for AED90k? anyone) and the accommodation next to Abela supermarket at AED45k for a bachelor pad is good. So for a few years it would be a good place to work as long as you dind't mind a few bumps and jolts as you go - and get a warm feeling from being a part of a team that really is making a diffference.

[Afra]

I've been hearing this for almost 10 years now.

[veiledsentiments]

And even longer Afra...

But Kevouze,

Due to your only planning to be there for one contract, it will probably be tolerable if you have the right attitude. By that, I mean just take things as they come and don't expect to be changing the world. Be ready for some unruly students if you are teaching older boys. And if it is similar to HCT be ready for lots of meetings. They do love to talk things to death...

And do come back and tell us how it all goes.

VS

[kevouze]

Thanks a lot to all of you.
I am aware that it might not be easy everyday. Thank you for all the warnings, I will keep my eyes wide open.
I have been told that discipline issues have reduced.
I will periodically let you know how things are going.
A little question, I will have a AED3200 housing allowance. What kind of place can I get with such an amount of money. How big? My fiance and I would like to have a very small house. Is it possible? How much should I expect to pay for all the utilities. No luxury, we are very simple people.

Thanks.

kevin

[veiledsentiments]

AED3200?? is that a typo? Even per month that wouldn't be much. My flat back in '94 cost more than that per month in Abu Dhabi. If you both have a housing allowance you *may* be able to find a villa.

Did you try a search? I recall some discussion of housing costs in that area. Many cross to Buraimi in Oman because it is cheaper. Check any threads that discuss Buraimi.

VS

[NadiaK]

That's standard IAT housing allowance per month.

[grand fromage]

VS, that is a risky suggestion these days. Buraimi has been sealed off from the UAE by a high-tech fence and the car traffic is monitored heavily by the UAE police. It may only be a matter of time before the border is sealed and a visa requirement is imposed. One of the reasons for this is that Al Ain has been losing a lot of business to the cheaper Buraimi (housing too!) and many locals are not happy about that. It'd be a shame if one found him/herself seperated from their belongings and residence by a 2 meter barbed-wire fence without any warning. Crazier things have happened here before

[veiledsentiments]

In the past it was easy for a Gulf expat to get a multiple entry visa for the other GCC countries. I had one for both the UAE and Oman in my passport when I worked in Kuwait.

I heard that rumor some time ago too, but with their proximity, it seems that it would cause more problems than it might be worth for either side. (not that logic enters into these things.)

One should test the water when one gets there and see what everyone else is doing. With the low allowance, this won't be a problem that goes away.

VS

[kevouze]

I have heard that accomodations are (much ?) cheaper in Al Ain than in Abu Dhabi or else Dubai were rents are increasing tremendously. Is that true?
What can of accomodation can I get with AED3200 every month?
We do not expect any luxurious life, only something comfortable. Could we get a very small villa (1-2 bedroom) ?
My fiance is offered a 1 bedroom appartment (all utilities included). Do you think we could negociate to get a housing allowance instead? Even though we are not married could we combine the two housing allowances?

Kevin

[eyda]

You're not married. You live in her apt., and pocket your housing allowance, and either live better or save more.

You DO NOT ADVERTISE your marital status to anyone. This is the UAE and shacking up can be a one way ticket to jail, maybe just deportation, if you're lucky. Get it? This ain't Kansas...

[veiledsentiments]

Of course the rent is cheaper in AA than in AD or DB. We are talking about large major 'cities' versus smaller interior town.

Evda is correct that living together unmarried is against the law. But, it is rarely enforced against westerners. This is another area where I would check out the situation with others who are cohabiting and see how they are handling it.

There have been other threads about this... use the search...

VS

[GabeKessel]

So, what is the salary range at that school?