Job Discussion Forums

NEW GUY · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 7

Thank you everyone for your comments on life and work in the UAE and especially at HCT. I am being considered for employment as a teacher in the Business Faculty (Not sure which college) and I have 5 years teaching experience and a Master's degree in Business. I'd really appreciate it if someone could help me with the following questions (just a ballpark estimate would be great):

How much can I expect to make per month?

How much per month does it cost to live a reasonably comfortable life in the UAE?

Are most teachers able to save money?

Can money easily be sent back to my home country?

Again, thank you everybody for your comments on this board and please help me with the above questions if you can.

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

Did you try reading around this branch? A search should find something. This is discussed about every other thread. Laughing

You have left out most of the information we would have needed to answer anyway... are you married with 3 kids or single? Do you eat out every night at one of the hotels so that you can have a few c ocktails or are you a vegen who prepares every meal at home? For transport are you happy with a used Nissan Sunny or do you want a new 4WD? Do you plan to travel out of the country by plane for every holiday?

One question is easy to answer. This is a rich country that lives on international trade. Thus, their banking system reflects that. Your pay will be directly deposited into your account each month with immediate ATM access and you have a few choices on how to transfer it back home.

VS

NEW GUY · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 7

The following are some details regarding my lifestyle:

1. Married, no kids.
2. My wife and I don't drink.
3. We eat out once every two weeks at a moderately priced restaurant (let's say 3 stars)
4. I will not buy a car unless I absolutely must, and then it would be the cheapest one I can find.
5. Once a year, I will travel home to Canada.

Given these details, do you think I could save money working as a Business Faculty Teacher at HCT?

Thank you again.

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

Yes. You can save a lot under those circumstances. However, I don't know about Canada, but PhDs or faculty with MBAs in the U.S. earn enough that few of them would consider any Middle East package.

trapezius · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:28 pm Post subject:

herenow · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 22

I fit almost exactly the list that you gave about yourself (except I drink a little and occassional eat out at the restaurants in the 5 star hotels -- one to two times a month). I usally spend less than 2500 Dhs a month and it isn't because I'm watching my money or feel like I'm on a budget. There is a lifestyle for any price range really here as long as someone else is paying the rent for the apartment, and your aren't into the "designer lifestyle" you can get by with very little money. Not driving helps, not having a "clubbing social-live" helps.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

you should have no problems saving money.

For wiring funds home ---- HSBC Status account holders get free standing orders.

I've saved tons in nickle/dime fees. The wiring is faster, and I'm slightly more confident about the security of my funds.

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

I found that my bank in the US charged what I considered exorbitant fees to receive wires. So, for nearly nothing, I would get a check and mail it to my bank in the US - regular registered mail and I never had a problem.

Check with your bank back in Canada. It would be nice if the internet has now made this easier and cheaper.

VS

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

You could also open an account with HSBC in Canada and probably avoid the charges (clarify that with your local branch)