Job Discussion Forums

lynnknows · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 1:16 pm Post subject:

From what I understand they can place you anywhere. They ask where you would like, but make no promises. I am in Abu Dhabi now. I would like to stay here but will go anywhere but Dubai area. I will go into no mans land before I would want to go the the Dubai area. There is just too much traffic and too many people.

Most of my experience has been in the states. I have only been overseas since 2005. I had a HORRIBLE experience in egypt. Worked in Kuwait for a bit and ended up in UAE. I hold an american passport. I only have a Bs. in Education.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Thanks lynnknows - how many years experience in the US? The best way to do comparisons is to ask!

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

Is there anyone who has received an offer who was not Muslim and/or Arabic speaking? It looks like this may be an important factor.

Nothing wrong with that as long as the job adverts include that information.

VS

lynnknows · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:02 am Post subject:

My friend Norma is NOT Muslim. She is a cross wearing , Bible in her hand bag , proud to be a Christian kind of gal. So I do not think you have to be Muslim. I Know they were looking for people that can speak and read both Arabic and English to work with the lower grades. Maybe this is why they have a few people that are Arabs. When I had my interview I was the only American there. All the others were from Arab countries. I do not speak Arabic very well so they will hire people that speak only English. Norma does not know any Arabic and she was hired as a teacher also.

Zoot, I do not think there is much to compare. I think this is about the best offer out there for a primary school. I have been to many interivews and had a few offers. Nothing came close to this. I was offered a admin job and the pay was a lot lower than the pay here and the package was not even close. If you have an offer my advice is to take it if you want to be in the UAE. The UAE is expensive and everyday prices are going up. The more money you make the more you can save, if that is your goal.

Yes, it can be a bit scary becasue it is a new program, but if it takes off it will be a good thing.

lynnknows · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:10 am Post subject:

Just a quick note; Choueifat is one of the three companies that are doing this program. They are only offering their Admin 10500AED. Their package only includes a ticket for the person working , no family members. Their housing is a 2 bedroom flat no matter what size your family is. Trust me it sucked.

The other Admin position I was offered was not much better.
So for a teaching position I think this is a good offer.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

veiledsentiments, I'm neither Arabic-speaking nor a Muslim. Neither count as far as I can tell.

lynniknows - how many years teaching experience in the US? The programme is being put into both middle and primary schools. The bilingual teachers especially are required for Grade 1. My interview was the same as yours - no other native speakers present.

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

OK... I just asked because it seemed that everyone who has been hired seemed to be Muslim or Arabic speakers... and all those turned down (and many with strong CVs and relevant experience) were neither.

I would assume that for the lower grades, being bi-lingual would be crucial for the sake of the kids.

VS

lynnknows · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:24 am Post subject:

I think it is more about the interview than the CV/Resume. A few people at my old job had strong Cv's, however, they did not do well at their interview. My interview was with two people. Each person was looking for completely different qualities. One asked personal questions; while the other asked questions geared towards employment history.
I think they were looking for people that were willing to commit to being in the UAE for several years, were willing to deal with children that will have little or no English skills, and SHOW little or no prejudice towards Muslim.
In a private school a person may teach children from all over. In my class for instance, I had just as many non-Muslims as Muslims, and only four children were from the Emirates. These schools will, I am sure, be 100% Muslims and all or most from the Emirates.
Maybe they think they will find these qualities more in Arabs because they are non Native speakers themselves. They may feel they will understand the struggle these children will have. They are usually here with their families so they will be here for a few years, and are Muslim or grew up around Muslims. Who Knows, I know Lynn has no clue. This is just a guess.
.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Here, here lynnknows I agree with you and feel that I didn't interview strongly because I know what the problems are in the government schools that are an entirely Emiratii clientele and the way children behave in international and our own national schools is VERY different to what you will come up against in this project.

As far as the Arab speaking teachers go, both lynnknows and veiled sentiments are right. It would be impossible to teach at the primary school level without some Arabic, which of course the teachers we are mentoring can do. On top of this is the reality that, there is neither time nor the teachers available to instal only native-speakers.

Arabic-speaking teachers have fossilized English language mistakes and in the past the little English that was picked up by the locals included these mistakes. I have been in classrooms with these teachers and they each the same mistakes they make.

It makes for a challenge though and I'm looking forward to it.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

lynnknows - did your friends feel they hadn't interviewed well or were they told they hadn't?

I was also interviewed by two people and wasn't asked any questions that referred to Islam or Muslim beliefs

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

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

There's no mixing of genders in government schools.

wannago · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 85

I'm not currently in the UAE and have a video-conference interview with this group tomorrow. Any words of wisdom or advice from those of you who have previously interviewed?

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

go back and read lynnknows' postings - they're very good regarding the way the i/view is conducted. both interviewers were Canadian. you'll be asked about the best lesson you've presented lately and behaviour management, so be ready for those too.

flyhigh · Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

Please everybody would you help me find out what the interview would be about? My interview is due to Wednesday an I want to gather as much information as I could so that I do well in the interview. Any information is much appreciated.

Thank you all