Job Discussion Forums

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

What kinds of questions does HCT typically ask in their job interviews. Trying to prepare for one now!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:27 am Post subject:

Friends of mine tell me that you should be prepared to talk about classroom management techniques, how you deal with difficult/disinterested students and have a few ideas on how you would present a grammar point to the students.

And, always...always, be well-versed on the most up-to-date classroom technologies. Also, I hear that "buzz words" go a long, long way...

NCTBA

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Ok thanks....I'll have to do some research and find out what those "buzz" words are!

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Thanks...had the interview already. It went really well. Just waiting to see if I possibly get an offer now.

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

*delete*

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Also, I've managed to live in Egypt without a car for a year...will I need one in Al Ain?

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

The car question:
How are you planning to get to and from work?
What will it cost you in taxis to do so (and how will you ensure one is available when you need it)? 50C+ temps can play hell with your desire to not use a car.
How often do you need a car to go grocery shopping and other day to day errands?

For myself, I need a car. For others, they find ways to do without (depending on their answers to the above). In my experience, I would say 85- 90% of people get a car (either rented or bought).

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Public transportation here is easy and cheap...I had no idea what it was like there...so it looks like I will need a car.

celticbutterfly · Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 41

AAMC is a pretty cruisy place, so I've heard. No major moans. Nice campus. Not many students there so teachers are teaching all levels of English (which makes a nice variety from just foundations), but there could be an influx due to the death of UGRU.
Al-Ain accommodation is overpriced; new HCT staff are being housed in less-and-less desirable places, as the housing allowance just doesn't cover what the greedy landlords are demanding. Leaning more towards apartments and not villas nowadays for everyone, not just singles.
Al-Ain itself is one of the better places to live in the UAE - hot but not humid, traffic is not TOO bad, good shopping malls, lots of parks and trees. Schools for kids? Al-Ain English speaking school is not too bad for the younger ones, but not so good for high school level.

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

Oh the poor things... mere flats... in other words, what 90% of HCT teachers get around the Emirates. Life is tough in the Gulf Laughing

(do they still sell those tee-shirts in Al-Ain shops?)

I never lived in Al-Ain, but always enjoyed visiting... more laid back... with odd traffic circles more like Oman.

VS

bluecatbabe · Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Middle East

About cars, yes you probably need one.

I've lived here without a car, but in those days teacher accomodation was close to the centre (insofaras Al Ain has a centre) and there were always taxis around. Cheap, too.

Now there are still some cheap taxis but far fewer than there were, and they are more broken down looking. The new aircon taxis are more expensive.

Plus, teacher accommodation is further out of town - some of it a very long way out indeed, beyond the airport - and there are not only no taxis, but many taxi drivers don't like to come out that far if you call them.

\Where we've been living the last 18 months no taxis (or delivery people) seem able to find anyway, and when a neighbour of ours had a kitchen fire, the fire brigade couldn't find her house.

So - I'd say you need a vehicle. Unless you get housing in Al Ayoun or Al Andalus, but you're unlikely to get that in your first year, and priority goes to families with kids.

Hope you enjoy Al Ain - I did.

Iamherebecause · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:35 am Post subject:

I know of a few people who still don't have cars but they rely on lifts and goodwill as well as taxis. There are now snazzy aircon buses in Al Ain and for some journeys they are a good option. But the nearest stop to my flat is too far to walk in 50 degree heat (we had that a couple of days ago!); ok for coming home but not for going to work unless you like looking dishevelled. And buses won't get you to e.g. the different sports venues at the Palm Resort.