Job Discussion Forums

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:42 am Post subject:

Hmmm...it still seems like the jury is out on this "Tom"-feller!

NCTBA

PeterWilliams · Joined: 27 Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Abu Dhabi

Thanks Tom - a nice overview of each of those places and useful information for teachers looking for jobs. Much appreciated.

xray · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 24

Apologies Veralynn thought you had worked with Tom. Since Tom does not want to say ...history an all...suggest you ask your/his colleagues who will no doubt fill you in.

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

Well, we all have our reasons for leaving places... sometimes it is 'them, sometimes it is 'us' ... sometimes it is just time. Really not any of the jury's business. Laughing

I have found Tom to be a very helpful poster who is familiar with lots of the employers and seems to try to give balanced information.

VS

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

With that salary plus gratuity, I can make a rough guess that Tom could have saved $200,000 in five years when the gratuity is included. He may already have had some equity in his house prior to being hired at PI.

MissMao · Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 11

Thanks for taking the time to write a decent post! Informative and clear!

jjdoll42 · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 5

As another employee of Khalifa University, I find working here as well as the Emirates in general to be balanced, challenging, and educationally quite fulfilling.

The issues of housing in Abu Dhabi can be taken care of by having a good housing agent - I have found two that are pretty good, and this helps get that job done. Housing is provided by an allowance, but it is the employees job to find their housing. Doable.

IELTS is probably the hottest topic at KU between teachers as is the fact that KU in Abu Dhabi is coeducational - which makes for a really interesting work experience - both a great responsibility and as I said before a good challenge.

niro · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 4

Hi Tom,

Could you please provide more details about working conditions at KUSTAR.

Thanks

--niro

dylanjamal · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Hi there,,
I have been offered to work in khalifa univ. in abu dhabi as assistant prof in physics for eng. students... Would appreciate if you add your comments and thought into my package:

basic: 14K/month
other allowances: 20/month
kids education: up to 54 k/ year
annual tickets
(No housing provide by the univ. of course)
(we are a family of 4 (me, wife, two kids of five and two years.. comming from canada with Ph.D and 3 years experience after ph.D and 10 years teaching before ph.D (with master degree)..
any input, suggestions ideas regarding the packege and the education environment in the univ. is highly appreciated...
many thanks..
Dylan

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:22 pm Post subject:

Hey, Dylan:

Expect to be pulling major amounts out of the already dismal (kinda) pay outta yer pocket unless you home school. If "other allowances" means "housing", the 240K might slide...but might not! Housing is NOT "of course" NOT included. Housing is ALWAYS included. If a housing allowance, which I assume "other allowances" is, then this job is a pass.

NCTBA

dylanjamal · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Thanks for the reply and the info..
Yes the other allowances is for (housing and transportation)
so you think I could get a 2/3 Bd place and save some thing on the whole package?

thanks again..
Dylan

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:38 pm Post subject:

Lets put it this way, Dylan. I'm jes' a lil' ol' English teacher and am pulling a third more that you are offered. Sure, I've got the time and experience under my belt, but that seems besides the point in the U.A.E. at the moment. I've got the same number of dependents as you only one doesn't require education but a window to sun himself in. Very Happy

The 2/3 bedroom place is possible, but maybe NOT on the island. Who knows. Savings...as you put forth the package would be minimal to nil. I'd definitely press for the "accomodation provided".

With the exposed package, I'd say that you'd barely be getting by if at all...but then again, maybe too much caviar and champaign fer me?

Anyone else...?

NCTBA

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

14K for a PhD? Yikes.... I know people with MA who have offers for 18K with 3 bdr villa provided, 30K furniture allowance...

your education allowance sounds low too...

Sounds a lousy offer to me...

VS

dylanjamal · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

I do know that my basic is TOO low,,,
but my thinking was on the other allowances ( to save some thing there and top it on the basic... and save some)... also was thinking to rent in Dubai and commute to Dubai....
but was not sure that education allowance was low (for the first two years I just have my elder son needs school ...by then my youngest one will get in to the K1 stage...)
the contract by the univ. is for two years... (I guess they have calculated every thing very well!! )
Any idea about the renewing contract in UAE.. Do the empolyer (univ) increase the salary as the baby kids gets into school age?
again thanks for your suggestions...
Dylan