Job Discussion Forums

[kish_kish]

Has anyone heard anything about the Australian School of Abu Dhabi?
I've been offered a teaching post with them and I'm debating whether to take it.

They say that they offer IB training but this is not officially stated in the contract. The head has given a verbal guarantee that there will be IB training for all staff. He said, "in order to be an IB school they must provide it to all staff."
Is this true?

Also the housing benefits are poor and the range is from 60 000 - 75 000 AED per annum. (I guess they might put all their money into the IB training.) A mate of mine (who was also offered a position) e-mailed the head about getting the full 75 000 AED and the head e-mailed back saying that this shouldn't be discussed via e-mail. Does this sound fishy to anyone else? Why can't things like housing benefits be discussed via e-mail?

Of course I welcome both positive and negative feedback.

[veiledsentiments]

I know nothing about this school.... but any employer who will not discuss the specifics of the employment by email or phone before you go is waving a big red flag that one shouldn't ignore.

It is more than fishy...

VS

[kish_kish]

In the Dubaifaqs page it says that the Australian school was previously the Modern Pakistani School but changed curriculums, teachers and students for September 2006. It's located in Khalifa B and now has a partnership with a few schools in Australia. Also, since June 2009 has become an IBO school.

I've had a tour and it 'seems' like a nice small private school but it is very strange that the head does not want to put anything in writing (via e-mail) regarding housing benefits. I'm not sure about phone though...

[veiledsentiments]

Even if you discuss it by telephone, anything you agree to should be in writing or it is worthless. If they fear/refuse putting it in writing, it means that they likely have no intention of keeping their promise.

VS