Job Discussion Forums

[j-away]

Hi folks,

I have received an offer from a major university in Dubai. I would like to know if it is acceptable to negotiate aspects of the contract, or if this would offend and result in withdrawal of the offer.

I have an MPhil in Literature, TEFL certification, and ten years experience teaching ESL adults in five countries.

The offer is a 3 year contract at approx. Dhs. 14,500.00 a month.

I would like to ask for a 2 year contract, at a salary of approx. 15,500.00. Would this sort of response be acceptable, or inappropriate?

Thank you for any advice.

[bje]

'Major' as in large? It's hard to say without knowing which institute. However, the salary sounds to be on the low side for Dubai. Three year contracts are pretty much standard, so I doubt that part would be negotiable.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Yeah...there are no major "universities" in Dubai...only major mirages.

And, yes, you would offend as they think that the "song" they offered to you should be gratefully accepted. You don't mention benes...in the sandbox it's all about the benes...especially provided housing...

NCTBA

[veiledsentiments]

Contracts are a standard three years and I am pretty confident that they won't negotiate it. BUT, every contract has an exit clause and you can give 6 months notice (basically one semester) and schedule it to leave at the end of your second year, but I wouldn't mention it or attempt to negotiate it.

As to the money, the offer is a little low... probably because you have an unrelated MA. And, your experience could also be unrelated to their needs. You could attempt to negotiate it. But, this may be their reasoning.

VS

[MrScaramanga]

You should always negotiate. The worst thing that can happen is that the offer stays the same.
Good luck!
MrS

[veiledsentiments]

Some employers don't negotiate. Now that I know who this offer is from... I would be leery of doing so. Some places do have a set pay scale and right now supply of available teachers is rapidly outstripping demand.

VS

[bje]

[MrScaramanga]

[bje]

Fair enough, trying it the way you suggest may work, although with the glut of teachers seeking positions at the moment negotiation could be more difficult than it may have been in the past...

[j-away]

Thanks all for your replies.

Yes, I did forget to mention benefits. The housing, airfare, moving allowance, etc, are not included in the salary I listed.

I feel this salary is a bit lower than it should be, but for the sake of a couple hundred bucks, I do not want to jeopardize having the offer withdrawn.

Perhaps I worked in Taiwan for too long, where you eventually learn, the hard way, that many employers find it easier (for the sake of saving face) to make up a reason to call off a deal, rather than say NO to your face.

One respondent on this post has said s/he has had success negotiating in the UAE. Is there anyone else in this forum who has had success, or failure, negotiating salary? (consider: it is my first contract, most of my experience was pre-MPhil, I get the impression I was low on the list and am a convenient last minute replacement)


Cheers!

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I think that you've summed up yer situation correctly. Good luck...

NCTBA

[Sheikh N Bake]

Oh my...what "university" in the UAE would offer Dh 14,500 without housing?? Very low indeed.

[veiledsentiments]

You misunderstand Mr SnB... his contract includes all the usual benefits of the Gulf on top of the salary he stated. It is one of the top tier employers. I think he hit the nail on the head... first Gulf job and majority of experience pre-MA.

VS

[Sheikh N Bake]

D'oh!!

Or I should say, WTF?!

This is what comes of spending the weekend reconstructing my software apps after a necessary Vista installation.

The best way to write these things is to say "...offer of Dh, 19,500 plus free housing ...etc...

[veiledsentiments]