Job Discussion Forums

[Goldmeyer]

HI this is my very first post on this site. I got a big decision to make and only a few days to make it. My husband, Matt and I were offered a position, at a private school in Abhu Dhabi. I would be teaching elementary school and my husband, History.

I have zero EFL experience, but I have a TEFL/TESL Certificate, M.Ed, and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I only have Substitute Teaching experience.

Matt has a B.A in History and a TEFL/TESL certificate but has no teaching experience whatsoever.

I just received the contract minutes ago (our contracts are identical):

Total (annual): AED 96,000
Total (monthly) AED 8,000
Benefits: Family medical insurance
Housing
60 days paid leave
Travel expenses to and from AED at the end of each school year
Air ticket provided to AED
Duration of Contract: The term of this contract shall be unlimited.

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT?

[veiledsentiments]

First impression... it is very low. The benefit package is pretty standard, but $2100 a month might be appropriate for your husband with his lack of credentials and experience (ie no teacher cert/license), but for you with an MEd and teaching credentials, it is really a complete insult.

That said, with your combination of non-standard credentials, it is a foot (or rather 2 feet) in the door. You can put in a year, and look around for something better. Be sure to check your contract carefully for the required notice for leaving.

I would hope that you have carefully checked out the employer on here and other boards. There are many very bad employers in the Gulf who call themselves "international schools." Have you done a search here?

VS

[Eisenhorn]

[Goldmeyer]

Thanks for your help--I had a feeling it was low on the pay scale for UAE but a good offer given our lack of experience, so it was a relief to read others (with more experience and know-how) thinking the same thing. THANKS!

I've tried to search the school here on this board but have come up with nothing.

The title of the Offer of Employment reads:
Al Worood Academy Private School in in Abu Dhabi (AWWAD)
Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC)

The contact person for me in Abu Dhabi (who interviewed us, etc) works for:
Universal Academic Management Organization
Office Suite 205-Block A
Dubai Silicon Oasis Complex
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I haven't sent them my passport or any money and know not to that. I scanned them my passport but covered the passport numbers beforehand.
What kinds of scams are possible?

[It's Scary!]

Well, for MTCW, I taught some Al-Worood fellas at the tertiary level in AD and they seemed to be intelligent. However, you said that this was for a private school in Dubai. So, I wouldn't know the connection with your offer and Al-Worood in AD.

It's a confusing situation, but a contract I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot barge pole! (I know, I know...)

[Goldmeyer]

"Wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole" !!!!!

Please, explain why--you think its a scam or is it a bad deal? Are you saying you personally, wouldn't take it (because you are qualified for better offers) OR that if you were me, you wouldn't take it?

AAAAAAAH! Please, tell me. My husband and I are running around like turkeys with our heads cut off, trying to get all our paperwork, etc.. in order. They want us to be there in about 2 weeks!

[It's Scary!]

[Goldmeyer]

" An AD contact point for a Dubai School? Why, why, why? Are they trying to hide something? "

Actually, its a Dubai contact for an AD school -- but same difference.
Thanks for the warning! It will not go unheeded! Yikes!

I guess, I will be spending my night reading UAE scam horror stories.

[It's Scary!]

[veiledsentiments]

For one reason I think that this is not a scam... because the salary offered is so low. Scams always seem to have this HUGE salary ($3000-5000 a month) that would normally require impressive credentials, while they would hire your husband. (sorry... no criticism meant, but you made clear his lack of credentials )

That said, as long as they don't ask for any money up front, keep asking them questions if you 'might' still be interested. If conditions aren't horrible, it could be a foot in the door for both of you.

VS

[Middle East Beast]

Keep in mind that you won't know the nature of the conditions until you get there. That's the norm for jobs in the M.E.

Good luck to both of you.

MEB

[Eisenhorn]

So it is an ADEC job... ok.

It didn't sound like a scam, but you always want to check in to it. It sounds like you are going through an intermediate recruitment company... I wonder what they are getting paid for you, and what they are paying you... (what is their cut)

The salary is a bit on the low side, but you do have limited experience and so does your hubby.

The school also offers a really good vacation package, it pays for your housing and the rest. So it is probably a valid offer at the beginning pay scale. Is housing provided, or are you given a housing allowance? (I don't remember) If it is a housing allowance you need to be careful and it is often a pain in the rear to have to find your own housing especially if you are new to the country

my only concern is the "unlimited" contract. You might want to check into exactly what that means, what is the terms of service, how do you "complete" this contract, how can you break it legally if necessary.

[123Loto]

This is an identical package to what I was offered with BA+CELTA and 9 years teaching experience. I think it's a good offer for "getting your foot in the door."

[Goldmeyer]

Eisenhorn:

My husbands Offer of Employment says: Single bedroom furnished housing

My Offer of Employment says: Housing with husband

We have decided to take the offer. The Middle East (actually Dubai) was always our first choice for EFL employment, even while we were taking our TEFL/TESL classes. I have tutored many Middle East students in CA, through a gov. grant and just loved their families (warm/friendly/hospitable), food, culture, etc... I have seen pictures, movies about Dubai and have always wanted to go.

We had just about given up trying to get jobs there (lack of exp) so we were going to settle for Korea, but then this opportunity came up! We are very excited! Extremely excited but trying to keep our wits and make sure its the right decision.

[Goldmeyer]

THE ONLY PROBLEM RIGHT NOW IS:
They want us to have our degrees attested. The CA State Dept. & AEU embassy is quick (3-5 days) however the bloody, US State Dept. is 8 WEEKS!!! If you go in person its 24 hrs. BUT we can't afford to fly there in person to do it.

Unless someone in/near Washington, DC can do it for us (how much would that cost?) ---OR

Unless they fly us out to Washington, DC and we go to the State Dept, and then fly us to Abu Dhabi from there.

*****Would it be asking too much of the school to arrange this?

THEY WANT US THERE IN AD TEACHING BY THIS MONTH! They said they want the paperwork all turned in by the Sept 30th (or they will be fined) !!