Job Discussion Forums

[coco chanel]

I wonder if those familiar with QU Foundation Programme could give me some advice on the package being offered to new hires for Fall 2011. I've read through several of the QU-related posts on the Forum and was amazed to find out that the salary I have just been offered is the same as the one offered in 2008 (see posts by VS and Noor).

Also, the entitlements in the offer are very vague. The offer doesn't specifically state how many days holiday in total - just annual paid summer vacation as governed by university policies. Likewise re accommodation - as governed by university policies. It doesn't specify if a housing allowance is available for faculty who wish to opt out of the university furnished accommodation. Also, the number of teaching/working hours was not mentioned and the probationary period is apparently one year, even though 6 months was specified at the interview. No mention of performance-related salary increments or bonuses either.

I read somewhere else on the Forum that last year's salaries were higher, but I don't know if that included the transportation allowance. As far as I can work out Doha is not a cheap place to live and the cost of living there is higher than the UAE, so it seems surprising that the salary being offered to new faculty is so low. Doesn't experience count for anything? Or is all of the above part of the territory?

If anyone wants to PM me in utmost confidence, it would be most appreciated.

Cheers

C C

[veiledsentiments]

QU has always had a rather flat salary scale. A few years ago, everyone who started got the same salary - no matter their experience... with everyone required to have an MA. Then there were a couple years where there weren't very many applicants and the next year, there was a three step scale depending on credentials. (assuming that your MA is in ApLing/ESL/EFL... you would have come in at the top) Salaries have never been negotiable. People here have the tendency to quote the salary plus small allowances (utilities, transport) as a total number.

I don't think I've heard of many (any?) places that give performance based raises... and never heard of bonuses. Unless you mean the gratuity paid on completion of the contract. That seems to be law in every Gulf country

Right now the employers in the Gulf are drowning in a sea of applicants. Thus... it appears that QU has taken the chance to lower or flatten the salaries. Supply and demand...

As to the specifics of the benefits package, QU itself is probably the one to ask. Who knows what has changed there. In the past, all the teachers were housed in the university inventory... which has a limited number on campus and the rest in a complex or two some distance away... thus requiring the car.

VS

[coco chanel]

Thanks VS.

Yes, I certainly need some clarification from QU. And, as you say, employers are probably getting a lot of applications from highly-qualified teachers with varying levels of experience. However, I didn't think Qatar would be at the top of the list.

Looks like it is an employers' market. On another note, do you know much about working for the Qatar Foundation?

[veiledsentiments]

Are you referring to the various American university jobs? They are VERY hard to get. You literally never see them advertise and I hear that they bring most of their teachers/professors from their home branches.

But I'd definitely apply if you run into any possibilities...

VS

[FunGus]

I think she's referring to the Academic Bridge program run through Qatar Foundation.

QF supposedly pays more than QU, but I haven't seen a single teaching job advertised there in the past year.

[thursday12]

Salaries not on par wid cost 'o livin rise. Ya need ta ask fer overtime.

[veiledsentiments]

[idaho_potato]

To survive you need a salary of 14,000 minimum for a single person. I don't know what they pay but Qatar is very expensive to live in. A Friday brunch can cost 300 riyals or more with beverages.

[the lowlander]

Without a doubt, Qatar is the most expensive country in the Gulf.

Ask the Qataris themselves.

Supermarket food is expensive, housing is expensive, half decent restaurants are expensive, cars are expensive, and if you like a drink, alcohol is very expensive.

In addition, regardless of the cost of living, once you have accepted a job in Qatar, you cannot leave the country without an exit visa from your employer, even for a short holiday.

This effectively renders you a potential prisoner of your employer, should you have any issues with them, and is not related to clearing your debts, unlike other GCC countries.

Qatar is one to give a miss!

[idaho_potato]