Job Discussion Forums

[snorkel]

I'm moving to Sharjah this August.Can anyone tell me what type of housing to expect from HCT as a single female (location, size, security)? And what are the costs for appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, etc? And can I wear capri pants to work, or does everything have to be ankle length?
Cheers,
snorkel

[veiledsentiments]

I'll let other speak of current costs of housing for Sharjah. Security isn't really an issue as HCT housing is normally located in nice areas and normally 2 bedroom. As to appliances, you will find reasonably priced Indian manufactured stoves (called cookers there) and refrigerators or you can pay big bucks for the typical American monstrosities. My advice is to buy the cheap stuff... you won't be there for 20 years. You can get smaller washers and dryers... that are separate, but stackable. Dryers are a must as it is so humid there all year.

As to the capri pants, they are something that I would consider rather unprofessional for the classroom - too informal, but perhaps that is a reflection of my age. Personally, in the horrid heat and humidity, pants/trousers are too uncomfortable and I never wore them. There is a reason why the national clothing is a flowing dress-like garment for both sexes. It is sensible and much cooler. As a woman who hadn't worn a skirt or dress in the US since the '60's, I wore only long flowing skirts in the Gulf. Cool, comfortable, and culturally perfect. (BTW, when I was at HCT, female staff were not allowed to wear trousers anyway... but I think this is up to individual college management)

VS

[snorkel]

Thanks VS. I'll start out with a small fridge and stove. Do you know if sending out laundry or drycleaning is an option or will i need the washer/dryer right from the start?

[adorabilly]

Hi snorkel

We too are moving to the UAE (RAK) in about 6 weeks and have been wondering many of the same questions.

We have found (or been led to places by folks on the boards)

http://www.dubizzle.com/main/index.aspx

has pretty good online classifieds, and from looking at them you might be able to set up some basic prices and have a baseline for what things cost. As for the larger items (like Fridge, washing machines, etc...) we have heard some places come with them, and some don't. It depends on your employer and the previous occupants....

[snorkel]

Thanks adorabilly. i was checking out the prices for cars on that website...very affordable. would have to easily pay twice as much in north america.

[helenl]

From friends at Sharjah - the women can and do wear Capri pants. Tightly fitting pants (and tops) are frowned upon. At Sharjah colleges, the women are told they cannot wear t-shirt like tops (too tight) nor "flip-flop" type shoes - which is unprofessional anyways IMO.

Sleeves everywhere in the HCT system should be to the elbow if not below, nothing low cut or see through. The students (female ones that is) will be the first to complain or comment on your chosen attire - not always to you but to supervisors/management. Better to err on the side of caution.

Some apartments do come with appliances - others don't. Depends on the landlord. You will probably be housed along the corniche which makes it easy to walk to most places including Spinney's and Carrefour (when the temperature allows).

Be aware the traffic is horrendous (read bumper to bumper at a standstill) in Sharjah in general (except for Friday mornings) and along the corniche in the late afternoon and on into the evening in particular.

If you do have to pay for appliances, I wouldn't bother with the dryer. I've lived in the most humid emirates over the past 7 years and never used a dryer. I found that if I used one of those portable clothes lines (several lines on a fold up frame) and just put it in the room where the AC was on during the more humid months (i.e. your bedroom), nearly everything but jeans would be dry over night - even faster when the weather cools and the humidity eases. Don't worry about it taking up too much room, most accomodation you could park several cars in each room and still have room to swing a cat without hitting anything.

However, having a dryer would probably be a necessity for a family - but as a single person - I never really felt the lack.

As for sending laundry out - I haven't ironed anything for years!! It's very reasonable (actually dirt cheap by North American standards) and usually overnight service.

As staff at HCT you will have access to the staff for sale electronic bulletin board and as you're located in Sharjah, you'll have more items to pick and choose from within a reasonable transport distance.

[NadiaK]

I guess the dress code is interpreted differently by different colleges! At my college, for example, sleeves need not be to the elbow (as long as they cover the shoulder), but women are not allowed to wear Capri pants .

[veiledsentiments]

Helen... thanks for the good laugh... it is amazing how cavernous some of the flats are.

I know it used to be that the individual directors seemed to set the dress code in each college. Mine was an older secondary school principal from the UK who found it just beyond the pale that women might want to wear trousers. Many of the students wore them and even helped us petitioning for a change in the rule. Nothing was ever said about sleeve length, but I consider anything shorter than the elbow to be culturally disrespectful... JMHO.

BTW... as to cars. Be VERY VERY careful buying used cars, especially now. Thousands of cars have been flooded out in Oman and they will now flood the used car market in the Gulf (though most will likely end up in Iraq or Iran). Only buy a used car from a fellow expat who will have the concept of regular maintenance. The locals are particularly hard on their cars.

I always bought new because I didn't want to have to deal with breakdowns as a single woman. The prices are very good compared to the US... you can pick up a Hyundai Accent or Nissan Sunny (Sentra) quite cheap. I would get what they called the 'taxi' model... no options but the AC... quick and easy to sell when you go... usually took a day...

VS