Job Discussion Forums

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

YES. Schooling is definitely a problem for families in Abu Dhabi as these schools are FULL. Even if you don't like your school, you may not have much of a choice because all the other schools have no space. It seems to be the case everywhere, but Abu Dhabi is the most overcrowded with students I would say.

Enrollment is going on right now, so if you can, talk to some people who are already in CfBT and see where they have their kids. They would know the other decent schools and perhaps you'd be able to put your kids on a waiting list of a school you think is worthwhile. They're probably the best resource for you in that sense.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

It depends on the landlord, not the employer, whether or not appliances are included. I've always had to purchase mine - fridge stove washer dryer. Others in my own faculty have had fridge stove provided - others all 4. It's the luck of the draw and you all get the same furniture allowance whether or not appliances are landlord provided or not.

But then this is only applicable for HCT, ZU, UAEU, PI etc. AUS is all on campus housing with all appliances

MilkSheikh · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

The problem is that we are still in the UK and don't know any body in CFBT in Abu Dhabi. I was hoping someone on the forum could help us.

There are a few British schools. Some in the heart of the Island and others off the Island. If I had a clue as to where we might be staying then we could push for one over the other. CFBT have said they will have a better idea closer to the time !?!? I am hoping someone could give me some feedback so I can do a guestamate.

2 kids. Does that mean a 2 bedroom apartment or a 5 bedroom villa with a pool (Joking) Razz

Someone out there must know someone that works for CFBT ?

Helppppppppppppppppppppp

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

An American brand (Whirlpool) was the cheapest last time I bought a fridge. It depends more on the promotions the stores have than the country the goods are from.

For most of the popular schools in Abu Dhabi your children will be put on a waiting list. Expect to wait at least two years. Current registration fees start at 10,000 dirhams and most employers do not pay this.
The population is set to double in the next ten years so who knows what problems there'll be with getting your kiddies educated. I can see the more popular schools becoming elitist and prohibitively expensive.

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

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

MilkSheikh, your kids' school and where you might or might not live are going to be the least of your problems. Have you read the threads on these forums about CfBT's performance and treatment of its staff. They're in the process of clearing out once again because they still believe there's a never-ending supply of teachers willing to come into the UAE to work for them. ADEC is not responsible for your housing either.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

MilkSheikh, your kids' school and where you might or might not live are going to be the least of your problems. Have you read the threads on these forums about CfBT's performance and treatment of its staff. They're in the process of clearing out once again because they still believe there's a never-ending supply of teachers willing to come into the UAE to work for them. ADEC is not responsible for your housing either.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:48 am Post subject:

Besides that, are you going to come here to work for you're children's tuition? It is a CONFIRMED fact that children's education is not covered by ADEC. Am I missing something here? Are we not talking about ADEC? Is an ADEC sub-provider paying money out of their pockets to provide tuition for kids? I mean, the US government will just print money willy-nilly, but will ADEC sub-providers jes' give away benefits that they cannot recover from ADEC?

NCTBA

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

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

Registration fees are charged, holding place fees are charged, tuition fees are charged, and another 'fee' I can't remember the name of means a 4-digit amount is held by the school for the duration of the child/ren's enrolment in the school so as to protect potentially unpaid fee amounts. this last one is very important if the parent loses his/her job and the employer hasn't paid the school fees for some reason.

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

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

Since EFL was my second career, I arrived at an age when - if I had had children back in my married days - they would have been out of college. Obviously perfect advanced planning on my part. Cool

As I understood, employers were giving X dhs per child towards whatever it cost for the schools. Or... do some employers only directly pay tuition to the school directly, leaving all misc fees to the parent. I assume that as fees have risen and benefits have stagnated, there is now an excess that the parents will pay... depending on employer and school chosen... not to mention number of children.

VS
(this is great info for new teachers... keep it coming... it should almost be a thread of its own)

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Different colleges/unis pay different amounts for kids' education. NCTBA reported earlier that for ADEC it was nothing. Other colleges pay 80,000 a year (largely tuition but it can stretch to other things like books) for up to three children. You pay the excess. Friends of mine do pay the excess and it is no small sum. It is something they complain about a lot.

The bottom line for new teachers with kids is to make sure of exactly what the employer pays, otherwise you'll be seriously out of pocket. HCT has a good benefits package.